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the Irish with a St. Paddy’s day fundraiser.

Page A9

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Feelingthe burnAdam Jones gave itone final push overthe finish line thispast Sunday duringthe fifth annualGolden Ears HalfMarathon and 10Krace. The Maple Ridgeresident placed thirdoverall in the 10Kevent. The run takescompetitors over theGolden Ears bridgeto Langley and backto Pitt Meadows. Seemore photos anddetails on page A14.

Eric Zimmer/TIMES

The local MLA will alsoattend Pitt Meadows Citycouncil meeting tonight.by Eric [email protected]

Maple Ridge-PittMeadows MLADoug Bing said he is“encouraged” afterhis meeting with theminister of energy andmines Bill Bennett thispast Thursday, regard-ing the proposedrock quarry in PittMeadows.

“I was a bit con-cerned when I firstwent to talk about it,”he told the TIMES. “Iexplained that I’m passionateabout this issue and I’m deter-mined to stand up for my con-stituents.”

Bing said Bennett was “veryattentive” during the meeting.

He added that the ministeralso offered to have staff fromhis office come to Pitt Meadows“by way of a regular councilmeeting and explain the processand field questions.”

Although no specific dateswere set, Bing said “as soon as

we can arrange it they’re happyto come.”

In the meantime, Bing himselfwill be at Pitt Meadows Citycouncil meeting tonight, March17.

“I just want to encouragecouncil to speak up about this,and offer to arrange meetings

with the ministrystaff, if that’s whattheir interest is,” hesaid.

“I think thebig worry is thatit’s still a couplemonths away, andit’s very hard withthese issues to keepmomentum going,but I think that’sreally important.”

A notice of appli-cation for permit

regarding the proposal is onpage A10 in today’s edition ofthe TIMES. It states “any personaffected by or interested in thisprogram has 30 days to makewritten representation...”

“That’s news to me,” saidBing when told of the notice.

Asked if the aggressivenessof the proposal meant specialtreatment or prioritization, Bingsaid he didn’t think there wouldbe any given.

•More at www.mrtimes.com,

Environment

Bingmeetswith minister

MLA Doug BingMaple Ridge-Pitt Meadows

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rtim

es.com

MorePhotosOnline

A group in Maple Ridge is gettingset for a 72-hour hour gamemarathon for a good cause.by Eric [email protected]

Dan Ruimy, owner of Bean AroundBooks in Maple Ridge, is getting setto begin a board game of record-set-

ting proportions this Thursday, March19, at 9 a.m.

Guinness world-record, that is.“The actual record is called the

‘longest marathon board gameplayed,’” said Ruimy. “The standingrecord is like 61-and-a-half hours, soour attempt is going to be 72 hours.”

Ruimy will be joined by twoothers as they play Settlers of Catan.“Basically, it’s the same game overand over again,” he explained.

The marathon is also aiming to helpout the community.

“We’re going to tie it in to afundraiser for the Iron Horse YouthShelter,” he said.

“We’re getting pledges that basic-ally say ‘pay me for every hour we’reup,’” he explained. There will be in-store specials for customers as well.

Ruimy sent the official applicationto Guinness “about six months ago.”

•More at www.mrtimes.com, search “Ruimy”

Community spirit

Trio seeking world record for board game playMatthew

Baillie(left,) Leah

Burnell,and Dan

Ruimy hopeto breaka world

record thisweek

Rick Moyer/TIMES

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Happy St. Patrick’s DayRidge Meadows Hospice celebrated the luck of

the Irish with a St. Paddy’s day fundraiser.

Page A9

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A2 Tuesday, March 17, 2015 Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times

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UpFrontMaple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times Tuesday, March 17, 2015 A3

mrtimes.com

Clickfor community

Suspect arrested- BA man who allegedly held up banks

in Langley, Maple Ridge, and Surrey hasbeen arrested and now faces charges inseven heists. Charges have now beenapproved against Thomas Dennis Prosser,36, who remains in custody pending acourt appearance.

• More at www.mrtimes.com

Trivia = free moviesMeadowtown Cineplex Odeon is

gearing up for a special sneak peekevent surrounding the release of a sci-fimovie called Insurgent at the end of theweek. They’re holding a release party onThursday, and to help sweeten the dealTIMES readers are being given a chanceto win free movie passes. Details onlyavailable on our web and Facebook.


Meadowtown Cineplex Odeon has tons ofInsurgent prizes to give away on Thursday.

Gardeningby Anne Marrison

Anne Marrisonis happy to

answer gardenquestions.

Send them toamarrison@

shaw.ca

Seeds of the seasonTIMES columnist Anne Marrison ans-

ers your garening questions. This week,she discusses what to plant now, for bestresults and fresh flowers in the summer.


Maple Ridge Mayor NicoleRead shared her views withfinance minister Mike deJong on Friday.

by Roxanne [email protected]

A chance to dine with the min-ister of finance meant a chanceto discuss downloading and theneed for some provincial dol-lars, but most of all, it was a“great” opportunity to just getacquainted.

Maple Ridge’s new mayor,Nicole Read, had never met theBC Liberal MLA for AbbotsfordWest, Michael de Jong.

So when they were seated nextto each other in a top-floor meet-ing room of Meadow GardensGolf Club on Friday – overlook-ing the highly populated 18-holecourse on a sunny, spring-likeday – she didn’t miss out on thechance to chat with him aboutmany local issues, his passionfor hockey, and – yes – theweather.

Having the minister’s earthroughout the lunch gave Reada chance to share her thoughtson the “so-called” download-ing, and to assure de Jong thatshe wasn’t going to simply pointfingers and blame the provincefor not funding anything andeverything.

She shared her views that localgovernments and communitieshave to take a much more pro-active role in finding alternativeways to fund social programsand initiatives – without alwayscrying for provincial and federalfunding.

She hoped that, by sharingthose views with de Jong, whenshe and her council do comeknocking in future, he’ll appre-ciate that it will be for a “real”and “serious” need.

“I want to be clear when Iask,” Read explained.

That chat fit in nicely witha lengthy budget presentationde Jong made to a crowd of 62business people and fellow polit-icians Friday afternoon.

He explained how B.C. was inan enviable position of havingan almost billion-dollar surplusprojected during the past threefiscal years.

“We’re in exclusive company,”he reiterated throughout hispresentation. He explained theneed and benefits of a balancedbudget – noting that B.C. hasmanaged to balance the budgetfor three consecutive years. Butit has come with a lot of hardwork and by making a lot of“unpopular” stances when itcomes to spending, de Jong said.

He credited this to a lot ofhard work and strict adherenceto that goal, saying it would beeasy to go into debt to fund alot of worthy projects and initia-tives, but calling that “unaccept-able.”

Boasting the fact that this

province enjoys a varied sourceof jobs and tax revenue from adiverse sampling of major indus-tries helps drive the B.C. econ-omy, de Jong said. And likewise,he boasts that the province has avaried pool of export partners tohelp ensure B.C.’s ongoing eco-nomic stability.

“That’s something we can beproud of,” he said.

And although he noted thatB.C.’s employment growth isonly at a “modest” one per cent,the minister explained someof his government’s efforts toincrease skills training opportun-ities.

De Jong also cooed abouthow his government has keptpersonal taxation at one of thelowest level in Canada, whileexplaining that more money isbeing allocated for increasedpolicing, for people living withspecial needs and developmentaldisabilities, and health care.

Following de Jong’s presenta-tion, there was little time left forquestions from the crowd, wherehe briefly addressed the nursing

shortage and cuts to education.School board chair Mike

Murray was not shocked, butstill disappointed to hear theminister say that school districtsacross the province are going tohave to find ways to trim theirbudget’s further – suggestingthat $84 million per year willlikely have to come from theadministrative cuts and other“innovative” means.

Following the meeting, Readwas asked about her firstencounter with the finance min-ister, and reflecting on “success”of that encounter she’s lookingforward to her next ministermeeting on March 24.

That’s when she hopes tobend the ear of Todd Stone,minister of transportation andinfrastructure.

“We really need to look at theLougheed [Highway],” she said,further to her comments lastmonth about the desperate needfor safety upgrades along thesection of the major provincialthoroughfare east of downtownMaple Ridge.

Mayor bendsminister’s ear

Roxanne Hooper/TIMES

Maple Ridge mayor Nicole Read chatted with finance minister Mike de Jong, at a business luncheon, where he made a budget presentationat Meadow Gardens Golf club in Pitt Meadows on Friday. It was the first time the two had ever met.

Police received two calls on Fridaynight, for a break-and-enter and forpossible shots fired in the same area.by Eric [email protected]

While pictures from a nearby merchantmay suggest there was another accident atJackson Street and 104th Avenue Fridaynight, police said there were no seriouscrashes in the area, but that there were twocalls received that evening.

“We did have one call in regards to thepossibility of shots fired, but it was neverreally established that that happened,” DanHerbranson, civilian media coordinator withRidge Meadows RCMP told the TIMES.

“The original callwas of an alarmgoing off that couldhave been a breakand enter,” heexplained further.

“Police received asecond call whereloud noises werereported which theyfelt could have beenshots being fired,but that was notestablished.”

Although therewas no word abouta crash at Jackson and 104th, it wouldnot have been that far away, Herbransonexplained.

“This was on 100th Avenue,” he said.

He confirmed the incident took place about10:15 p.m.

Herbranson said the investigation isongoing.

Police

East Ridge incident under investigation

A representative from Albion Pizzeria shared this photo with the TIMES. It was taken onFriday night near where the incident apparently took place.

Pub night a successThe annual St Patrick’s Day fundraiser

for the Maple Ridge Hospice was a “hugesuccess,” said Chelsa Meadus, specialevents & fundraising coordinator for theRidge Meadows Hospice Society. “Wesold out of tickets, and had an amaz-ing 50/50 pot as well as a best dressedcontest,” she said. Local businesses cameout with donations for the Silent Auction,Mayor, Council members from both citiesattended, as well as MLA Doug Bing.



The second chapter in the life ofa Siberian husky cross found nearstarvation in Maple Ridge began onMonday afternoon.

Willow, the Siberian husky cross foundseverely emaciated earlier this year whilewandering in Maple Ridge with nothingbut gravel in her stomach, has a foreverhome.

After a not-so-happy start to life,Willow is getting a second chance for herhappily-ever-after, after being picked upby her new adoptive family from WalnutGrove on Monday afternoon.

She was brought into the BC SPCA careon Jan. 31 by a pair of Good Samaritansand has been on the mend ever since.

Estimated to be between one and twoyears old, Willow weighed only 15 kilo-grams when found, compared to a normalweight of about 24 kg for a dog of herage and size.

“Willow is doing incredibly well – she’sgained more than nine kilograms since

coming into BC SPCA care,” said MapleRidge SPCA assistant branch managerFaydra Nichols, who was Willow’s foster“mom” since Feb. 2. “She’s a completelydifferent dog – much stronger, muchmore interested in the people – and ani-mals – around her, and she loves to runand go for car rides and long walks bythe river. She absolutely loves going intothe water – it’s hard to keep her out.”

• More at www.mrtimes.com, search “Willow”

Animal welfare

Willow joins new family

Willowhas beenadoptedby afamilyfromWalnutGrove.

Troy LandrevilleTIMES

Rick Moyer/TIMES

Quiz competition heats up at the Maple Ridge LibraryIt was a packed house at the Maple

Ridge Public Library recently, as localspiled in for a quiz night fundraiser

hosted by Smitty Miller (foreground).As it is customary before any “seriouscompetition,” Miller has everyone joinin O’ Canada before the games began.

Many contestants walked away with prizes– some awarded for quiz knowledge,

others for being able to sing on the spot.

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Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times Tuesday, March 17, 2015 A5

by Troy [email protected]

Mark Johnson was drift-ing into unconscious-ness, his mangled left

arm wedged in a conveyer belt,machinery peeling into his bareback.

In what he thought was hislast few moments on Earth,Johnson looked above at thestars dotting the black sky andsaid aloud to himself, “PleaseGod, make it stop.”

Somehow, someway, themachinery ground to a halt.

But the damage had beendone.

On Sept. 18 2006, Johnson,then 21, was cleaning out awood chipper when his arm gottrapped in heavy machinery.

He had only worked at thesawmill for nine months whenhe nearly died in the workplaceaccident. Johnson was the modelemployee: hard-working, reli-able, fast, and eager to pleasehis bosses, who, in turn, treatedhim very well.

He admits that those last twoattributes – being quick at hisjob and willing to do whateverwas asked of him – are whatcost him the use of his left armand shoulder, saw him endurecountless surgeries, left himdepressed to a point where hecontemplated killing himself onseveral occasions, and changedthe way he lived his life fromthat fateful day onward.

“I was cleaning up too closeto it [the machinery], trying topull chips out from near the con-veyer belt and I thought, ‘Let’sdo what’s best for the mill andget all these chips out,’” Johnsonsaid.

He began scooping out thechips with his left arm.

It took mere seconds for hisarm to be pulled into the belt,which was not shut off andlocked out.

“I lost all feeling in my leftarm but it pulled my back intothe running belt, and it rippedall the skin off my back,” hesaid.

After about 20 minutes,Johnson said he “started to fallasleep” from shock and pain.

He didn’t think he was goingto live.

“The only thing I said out loudbecause I was located outside,was, ‘Please God make it stop,’”Johnson shared.

Johnson believes that, despitehis horrific injury, something orsomeone was looking over himthat night. Millwrights and otherworkers couldn’t figure out whythe machine had shut off on itsown.

For close to five years now,29-year-old Johnson, bornand raised in Maple Ridge,

has visited a variety of work-places on behalf of WorkSafeBCto speak about safety – and howhis five minutes of carelessnesshas cost him so dearly.

“It was a great place to work.

The mistake was my fault,” hesaid. “I never locked out – ever– because I thought it was a bigwaste of my time.”

Last Wednesday andThursday, Johnson spoke to Cityof Maple Ridge operations staffand other workers. And for thefirst time ever in this situation,his dad Barry was by his side.

His message: for young peopleand employers to be better pre-pared on the job, to preventworkplace injuries from occur-ring.

“No amount of work is worthlosing a limb, or even a finger,”Johnson said. “I want peopleto think about how their familywould react if they didn’t comehome.”

Wherever he speaks, Johnsonoften wears jeans and a T-shirt.

Johnson said the only timeof the year he wears a suit isApril 28, the national Day ofMourning for all workers whohave been killed, injured, or dis-abled at their place of work.

In each appearance, the wordsflow out, unscripted, Johnsonsaid: “The way it comes out isthe way it comes out. It’s thesame story, told in differentways. It’s not the same wordsevery single time, but it’s thesame message.”

While the injury rate forall young workers hasimproved, the rate at

which young males are injuredcontinues to be higher than the

provincial average.In 2013, 6,540 young workers

were injured – on average 26per day – and six young workerswere killed on the job.

“Whether they’re young orold, the same thing applies to allworkers,” Johnson said. “Whatcounts most on the job is stayingin one piece and getting home inone piece.”

Johnson has a title to hisstory: “Making the best of as****y situation.”

While Johnson needs helpwith tasks as simple as tying hisshoes, he drives, plans on get-ting married this year, and playsin the Ruskin Slo-Pitch League,as a one-armed outfielder, catch-ing and throwing with his rightarm.

“I’m right-handed so I gotlucky that way,” he said. “I canstill crush a ball pretty far.”

But his limitations pulled himinto bouts of despair.

“I was very close to kill-ing myself multiple times, andreally, my dad is the only reasonwhy I didn’t kill myself,” hesaid. “Basically, he would killhimself, too. I know.”

Barry said his son is the “rea-son I’m here, on Earth, itself.”

“Without him, I don’t knowif I would have survived to tellyou the truth,” Barry said.

“It was a long road, but therewas a lot of support on bothends of it.”

• More at www.mrtimes.com, search“Mark Johnson”

Workplace safety

Workplace decision changedMaple Ridgeman’s lifeMark Johnson lost the useof his left arm in a sawmillaccident that occurred onSept. 18, 2006.Troy Landreville/TIMES

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Steve said “It’s great to have Len here to help us provide the level of customer service that continues to attractmore and more car buyers and make us Canada’s fastest growing Chrysler dealer! If you haven’t come to see usyet drop by our newly renovated Langley Bypass showroom and see how well we take care of you!

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OpinionA6 Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Our View

Vote successdefines blame

The blame game got started beforethe ballots entered the mail stream.

Metro Vancouver residents will soonbe voting on whether or not to accept a0.5 per cent increase to the PST to helpfund 10 years’ worth of transit projectsput forth by the Mayors’ Council.

With polls leaning heavily towardsthe No side, the Yes side is poundingthe pavement, promising Jim Pattisonwill watch over the funds, and launch-ing glad-handing politicians at SkyTrainlineups, hoping to move the vote.

When the plebiscite was first dis-cussed, the provincial government tend-ed to catch the heat – if the provincehad been managing things properly,why would it even come to this?

And then the Mayors’ Council lookedlike the ones to blame – how had theylet things get stalled like this? Whycouldn’t the mayors agree on anything?

And then there’s TransLink – what-ever that really is. The average Joerightfully looks at the golden deals ofbigwigs at the organization, the fitnessfacilities for staff, and the broken plansfor – well, a lot of things – and thinkssomeone in that mess has to be toblamed.

And now, yes, now the over-55 setare getting blamed. Everyone with a carand a carport and some grey in theirhair is already getting blamed for vot-ing No and scuttling a future filled withshiny new buses, better bridges, and aSkyTrain system that actually runs.

The baby boomers are apparently,when polled, leaning towards Nobecause they don’t use or need transit,they hate paying more taxes, and spenda lot of time in Arizona or in their La-Z-Boy recliners.

But what we know for sure is that noone under 50 or over 50 who is not anelected politician or a TransLink execu-tive or board member is to blame.

On the other hand, we’re not surethat a No vote would necessarily be anunsuccessful outcome.

Must be the herring fishery isopening soon, I figure.

There sure seems to be a lot ofthem out there right now, any-way.

Especially the red ones.The Lower Mainland transit

tax plebiscite is turning intoa veritable red herring hatch-ery – spawning them right andleft, and sending them into thealready muddy TransLink RiverBasin where they churn the wat-ers further, reducing visibility tounprecedented levels.

For starters, we have the king red herring – thewhopper – the biggest one of them all: every-body hates TransLink.

Big deal. We’ve known that for years, especial-ly out here in the hinterlands where we have theongoing privilege of paying premium prices formarginal (or no) services, and are expected tofeel grateful for the opportunity to subsidize themore important people who eat, work, and playat the centre of the Metro Vancouver universe.

We have lots of reasons to hate TransLink. Wehate the TransLink CEOs and upper managementclasses who through the years have meticulouslyavoided sullying themselves through contactwith bus seats and the lesser-plebes who regu-larly populate them.

They are the same TransLink CEOs and uppermanagers who just as meticulously cash theirexorbitant pay cheques before eventually floatingaway on their state-of-the-art golden parachutes.

If only they spent half the time and effortand expertise at crafting effective transit routesas they do in planning their escape routes,they wouldn’t need those parachutes, and wewouldn’t feel the need to hate them and drivethem back into the warrens from whence theycrawled in the first place.

But, wait! That’s the point of it all, isn’t it?From the time they first scurry out of their runsand into the open, isn’t it all about that para-

chute ride at the end of the line?But those CEOs and man-

agers are simply swimming outthere with a host of other redTransLink herrings.

Failed and failing projects, stu-pid decisions, incompetent non-leadership, the inadequacies ofempire-building and democracy-ignoring politicians and bureau-crats, and even the Vancouver-centric policy book: all of thosered herrings should be flusheddown the Fraser River and intothe ocean – some of them on

their contractually specified golden boats, ifnecessary.

But they are not a reason to vote No.Go to the Yes side, and you’ll find an equally

abundant haul of red herrings. There are thepersonal attacks against No supporters (recipro-cated against Yes supporters).

There are weird and unconfirmable calcula-tions of advantageous economics based onbolstering the apparently unalterable TransLinkboardroom certainty that all roads lead toVancouver, but slightly modified with the hedgethat at least a few roads may eventually startleading to Surrey – revealing that that commun-ity is becoming a political entity that is almostbig enough to matter.

Even the price tag that fleshes out the pleb-iscite – the 0.5 per cent increase in sales tax –while it might not be a bright red herring, couldat the very least be mistaken for a pink salmon.

Here’s a school of herrings that aren’t red:TransLink shouldn’t exist at all because trans-portation is a provincial responsibility, the salestax should be everywhere or nowhere, and weneed better transit the entire length of the FraserValley, both sides of the river.

But even those aren’t reasons to vote Yes orNo. You need to chew on all those red herrings,hold your nose while swallowing, and then gowith your gut.

Opinion

Odd Thoughtsby Bob Groeneveld

Red herrings hard to swallow

Opinion

I look forward to it!

It’s necessary

It’s silly – stick to PST all year

It’s silly – stick to DST all year

Ask me when I wake up

This Week’s QuestionHave you decided which way you’ll vote inthe transit plebiscite?

■ Your ViewLast week’s question, results…

How do you feel about the biennial time changefrom Pacific Standard Time to Daylight SavingTime and then back?

Vote online at: www.mrtimes.com

10 %

6 %

44 %

36 %

4 %

Who we are

EditorialTroy Landreville

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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.

• Reports of another crash at the Albion inter-section of Jackson Road and 104th Avenue onFriday night, and more concerns voiced by arearesidents and businesses generated quite thereaction on Facebook this past weekend.

“I live on 100, and let me tell you, people driving up hereare STUPID drivers. At least 3 to 4 times a week I’m nearlyT-boned in the roundabout. No one stops/looks/slowsdown coming up from 102.” – Robyn Nelson

“Nothing wrong with the intersection, the drivers are justtoo stupid to navigate it.” – Jordy MacDonald

“Went that way today, it’s not that hard to stop at the stopsign then edge out. Come on people!” – Rebecca Baker

“Some drivers think the speed limit on this road is 100km/h, and others feel that stop signs do not apply tothem. These are the same drivers who apparently do notrecognize that the rules of a traffic circle apply to themwhen driving up 102nd.” – Louise Soucy

What you’re telling us on Facebook

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

Appreciation

Haircut lifesaving experienceDear Editor,

Recently I went to get my haircut at Spins from Leslie. Iwas looking forward to it. It was just a few minutes past11:30 when I walked in. I just sat down in the recliningchair, relaxed, leaned back, and got my hair wet, when Ihad a sharp cramp in my chest.

I scrambled up, apologized and said I had to stretch itout. I tried. The cramp got worse. I said I’d try to walk itoff. She said I should go to the hospital.

This went on for a minute or two. I couldn’t get rid of thecramp, and now I was getting anxious as well.

I said, I’d drive, but repeatedly and calmly she offered todrive me. I didn’t want to impose, but in no time at all, shepulled her car up front. I squeezed in and Leslie drove offto Emergency, talking to me the whole time, telling me tobreathe, trying to keep me calm.

The pressure was still the same on my chest. Leslie camein with me, and asked if she could phone my wife. I reallydidn’t want Chris to get this kind of phone call at work. Shehad been through enough with my quad bypass in 2014.

Leslie offered to stay until my family got there, and inno time, my daughter Nikki and granddaughter Melodyarrived, and Chris a short time later. After a long day inEmergency and many tests later, we left after 8 o’clock.

My family and I cannot thank Leslie enough for her kind-ness. She will always be in our hearts for her humanity,and what she did without a second thought.

Rolf Raqué, Maple Ridge

Dear Editor,I recall an event at the

Target store in Haney PlaceMall, which will soon be buta memory. It was December2013, a few weeks beforeChristmas.

I suffer from bouts ofchronic pain, and thatparticular spell was atwo-week marathon.Once the pain reacheda tolerable level, I feltthe urge to venture out tothe mall and attempt to takein some of the Christmasspirit.

The lights in Target werebright! I noticed a rack ofpetite blouses for $5 each– a rare find.

Ahead of me in the check-out line was a young man,I’d say in his late twen-ties. Suddenly, I felt quiteself-conscious about myappearance. I had thrownmy coat on over some “rattyhouse clothes.” I couldn’teven recall if I had run abrush through my hair. Thisyoung man was smartly

dressed, in comparison.He was buying some toys,

and I asked him if theywere for his children.

“No,” he replied. Hisfriend was in charge of the

Christmas hampertoy drive in themall, and he wasgoing to donatethem.

And after that, hewas going some-

where else to donate somemoney for another cause. Idon’t recall the exact name.

I told him how much Iadmired him for his gen-erosity, and that I used tobe somewhat like him untilI went on disability someyears ago.

Having been cooped up athome for the previous fewweeks, I became quite thechatterbox to this open ear.He listened politely.

On paying for his purchas-es with his credit card, hemotioned to the salespersonthat he would pay for minealso.

Little did he know myitem was only $5. So I justsaid, “Thank you,” and hewent on his way.

I dubbed the blouse “MyChristmas Blouse” and thinkback fondly of the youngman in the checkout line atTarget.

G.D. Norris, Maple Ridge

Christmas blouse

Target encounter fondly remembered

LettersLetterstothe

Editor

Girl Guides

Bottles helpDear Editor,

The Port HammondDistrict Girl Guides wouldlike to thank the residentsof Maple Ridge, specific-ally those living in theHammond area.

On Feb. 14, our girlsand their families collectedreturnable bottles and cansto fundraise for our DistrictCamp. Through the gener-osity of this amazing com-munity, we far surpassedour expectations. Not onlywere people happy to fillvehicles with bottles andcans, we also had sev-eral pull up to our sortingarea on 207th Avenue anddonate on the spot. So over-whelming was the responsethat we ended up sortinguntil 5 p.m., four hours pastour expected finish time.

The Bottle Drive funds, aswell as our upcoming cook-ie sales, will enable manygirls who might not other-wise have the opportunityto attend District Camp.

Girl Guides of Canadastrives to teach girls tobecome strong women bychallenging them and teach-ing them the skills to excelin any avenue they choosefor their future. Thanks forsupporting Port HammondDistrict Girl Guides, andlook for us selling deliciousClassic Girl Guide cookiesafter March 16.

Natalie Baxter, Maple Ridge

Seniors

Cut pensionsDear Editor,

As the federal governmentwants to eliminate seniorsdiscounts, I strongly suggestthey eliminate platinum-plated politicians’ pensions.

P Sargent, Maple Ridge

Response

Tiger has teethDear Editor,

The term “paper tiger”[Canada’s Middle East pol-icy just frightening, March10 Letters, TIMES] is froman ancient Chinese idiom.Chairman Mao Zedong usedit as part of a quotation forone of his supreme direc-tives in his Little Red Book.Co-opting it might revealone’s own politics.

If an opinion is Canada’sgovernment is a “papertiger,” there is a caveat:they have a close friendwith nuclear teeth.

Cherryl Katnich, Maple Ridge

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The Royal CanadianTheatre Companystarts its season atThe ACT with a classic“whodunnit.”by Cole [email protected]

Fourteen years’ timetends to change things upquite a bit.

But for a pair of MapleRidge actors, 14 yearshave come and gone, yetthey find themselves backin the same roles theyplayed more than a decadeago.

Leanne Koehn andJames Rowley willreprise lead roles in theRoyal Canadian TheatreCompany’s upcomingproduction of AgathaChristie’s The Mousetrap.

The shows, set forMarch 17 to 21, are a sortof reunion for the MapleRidge pair of actors andEllie King, artistic direc-tor at the Royal CanadianTheatre Company.

King directed the pair intheir last performance ofThe Mousetrap, and saidshe is excited to be work-ing with the husband andwife again.

The Mousetrap marksthe beginning of whatKing hopes will prove tobe a long and prosperousrelationship with The ACTin Maple Ridge.

“We want to makeThe ACT our home,” shesaid, in reference to theRoyal Canadian TheatreCompany.

Koehn echoed King’ssentiments, and added thatthe presence of a profes-sional theatre company inthe Maple Ridge arts scenewould give amateurs areason to push themselvesto higher levels of produc-tion.

Currently, the RoyalCanadian TheatreCompany operates outof Surrey, althoughwith a successful runof Mousetrap, and moreshows scheduled at TheACT for later this year, thecompany might soon beon the move.

For Rowley, there werea number of reasons to beexcited about revisiting theclassic “whodunnit” mur-der mystery play.

“It’s really nice to beable to get back into [the

role]” he said, adding thathe felt the production hadonly improved in 14 years.

Not to mention the factthat the venue is locatedin hometown territory forKoehn and Rowley.

“People in the audiencehave a huge affect on theperformer,” said Rowley,adding that performingat home gives an actor aleg-up before the play haseven begun.

The Mousetrap begins itsrun at The ACT on March17 with an 8 p.m. show,and runs nightly untilMarch 21. There is also amatinee show on March21 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $24, andare available by phone at604 476 2787, or online atwww.theactmapleridge.org.

Live performance

Theatre group aiming tocall Maple Ridge home

Emily Cawley plays the role of Mollie and James Rowley plays Giles, herhusband, in the Royal Canadian Theature Company’s upcoming productionof Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, which begins its run at The ACT onMarch 17 with an 8 p.m. show.

The City of Pitt Meadows PublicWorksDepartment will be flushing water mainsthroughout the municipality for approximatelytwelve weeks beginning March 2, 2015. Duringthis time there may be a temporary drop in waterpressure or a noticeable discolouration in tapwater.To correct problems with milky water, openthe cold tap slightly to bleed air from the waterlines. If you experience problems with dirty water,turn on an outside tap and let it run until the water clears.The Citythanks residents for their patience during this routine maintenance ofthe water mains. If there are any questions or concernsplease call 604-465-2434.

PublicWorks Department11333 Harris Road

Pitt Meadows, BC,V3Y 2M5

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Would you like to get involved in your communityand make an impact on its future?

The City of Pitt Meadows is now accepting applications from individuals interestedin serving on the following Council-appointed Committees:

Board ofVarianceThe Board ofVariance meets to consider applications to vary conditions ofthe City’s Zoning Bylaw where compliance would cause a person hardship.

Advisory Design PanelThe Advisory Design Panel assists Council in assessing the design merits ofplans submitted in conjunction with rezoning, development permit and otherland use applications.

Agricultural Advisory CommitteeThe Agricultural Advisory Committee advises the municipality on agriculturalissues within the community, including the review of applications initiatedunder the Agricultural Land Commission Act (ALCA); agricultural-relatedpolicies and plans; irrigation, drainage and other water management issues;and other matters as referred by Council.

While a professional background or work experience in a related field would be anasset, Council is interested in hearing from anyone who has a broad understandingof Pitt Meadows and its unique character.

For more information on these committee appointments and to apply, visitpittmeadows.bc.ca/committees and submit the online form. Submissions willbe accepted until 4:30 pm, Friday March 27, 2015.

For more information, contact:Kate Zanon,A/Director of Operations & Development [email protected]

BoardAppointments


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 andPitt Meadows? Email it to us as a high-resolution .JPEG to [email protected]. Please include a briefdescription – including everyone’s first and last name. Put “faces & places” in the subject line of your email.

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows

Showcasing someof this community’speople and happenings

Post events 10 days in advanceby email to:

[email protected]

What’s Onwww.mrtimes.com

&facesplaces

Over the course of the

next many months, The

TIMES will recognize each

of our Readers’ Choice

winners who attended the

awards ceremony. We’re

kicking it off with Patti

Wilson (right), the owner

of Maple Ridge Lighting

who was presented the

award by TIMES’ Sheryl

Jones. Wilson’s store was

again picked as the best

lighting store in town. See

more about her business

and her reaction to the

award at www.mrtimes.

com, search “Wilson.”

Students at St. Patrick’s School, MapleRidge’s private Catholic school, held its AshWednesday mass recently. In conjunctionwith the special services, they held whatthey called a Hunger Lunch, where eachchild received a Portuguese bun and wasrequired to eat in silence – a time toreflect on those in the world who sufferfrom hunger.

March 19: Arts and crafts• Maple Ridge Library hosts a col-

lage-a-thon, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.Create your own masterpiece withpaper, fabric, glue, and more. Forkids ages five and up.

March 19: AGM• Ridge Meadows Youth Diversion

program hosts its annual generalmeeting from 7 to 9 p.m. in theHilton Haider room of the RandyHerman community safety building,11960 Haney Pl.

Mar 20, 21: Hot Flashes• Emerald Pig Theatre Society pres-

ents Hot Flashes: a comedy aboutthe adventures, anxieties, and occa-sional absurdities of menopause andaging. Show takes place at Theatrein the Country, 9975 272 St. Visitwww.theatreinthecountry.com forticket info.

March 20: Charity• Golden Ears Cheesecrafters holdsa wine and tapas spring fling fire-fighter charity night from 7 to 10p.m. Hosted by BC Firefighters,Sperling Vineyards, and GoldenEars Cheesecrafters. Tapas preparedand served by Maple Ridge andVancouver Firefighters. Limitedadvance tickets are $75. Call 604-467-0004 to reserve.

Mar 21: Shredding• Ridge Meadows Senior Society, at

12150 224th St., hosts a commun-ity shredding event from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. Safely dispose of yourconfidential documents and supportRMSS at the same time. From a fewsheets of paper to boxes of docu-ments for a minimum $5 donation.Call 604-467-4993, Mon. to Fri., forfurther information.

March 21: Market• There will be a spring vendor’smarket at Colleen Findlay Place,11601 Laity St., from 10 a.m. to 3p.m. Admission is by donation, andthe event is a fundraiser for theDiscovery Church youth and foodbank.

• Full list: www.mrtimes.com, search “What’s On”

Rick Moyer/TIMESSamz Pub in Pitt Meadows waspacked Friday night with supportsof Ridge Meadows Hospice Society,including entertainer Julie Buffettof Mission (above) of Glass HalfFull and Maple Ridge Mayor Nicole

Read (right), and AlGoldsack (below left). It

was the local charity’ssecond annual St.

Paddy’s Day fundraiser.

www.m

rtim

es.com

MorePhotosOnline

Shannon Lesiuk (a.k.a.The Liberty Lady) danced

around in this mascotoutfit outside the Liberty

Tax Service office onDewdney Trunk Road and

224th Street. Meanwhile,Scott McKenzie, a formerMeadowridge School and

Garibaldi Secondary student,recently accepted the PaulCarson Broadcast & Media

award for a sports columnistof the year. McKenzie, whoworked for the TIMES for a

while, now is sports editor ofthe Nanaimo Daily News.

20611 LOUGHEED HWYMAPLE RIDGE

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Sales 604.343.2036Service 604.465.7622

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*Limited time weekly lease offer and all other offers are from Honda Canada Finance Inc., on approved credit. #The weekly lease offer applies to a new 2015 Civic DX model FB2E2FEX for a 60-month period, for a total of 260 payments of $41.91 leased at 0.99% APR based on applying $350.00 “lease dollars” (which are deducted from thenegotiated selling price before taxes). ‡In order to achieve $0 down payment, dealer will cover the cost of tire/battery tax, air conditioning tax (where applicable), environmental fees and levies on the 2015 Civic DX only on customer’s behalf. Down payment of $0.00, first weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Totallease obligation is $10,896.60. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. **MSRP is $17,245 including freight and PDI of $1,495 based on new 2015 Specified Models described above. License, insurance, registration and taxes are extra and may be requiredat the time of purchase. */#/**Prices and/or payments shown do not include a PPSA lien registration fee of $30.31 and lien registering agent’s fee of $5.25, which are both due at time of delivery and covered by the dealer on behalf of the customer on Specified Models only. Offers valid from March 3rd through 31st 2015 at participatingHonda retailers. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Dealer trade may be necessary on certain vehicles. Offers valid only for British Columbia residents at BC Honda Dealers locations. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.bchonda.com or see your Honda retailer for full details.

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Three new pieces of art will beadded to Whonnock Lake Parkduring the next three years.by Cole [email protected]

“If you build it, they willcome.”

At least, that’s thehope from the Public ArtSteering Committee inMaple Ridge.

In this case, “it” refersto Whonnock Lake Park,and “they” refers to artistsacross Canada.

The arts committee put together enoughfunding to install three pieces of public artover three years at Whonnock Lake Park.

The infusion of art coincides with a $1.4million upgrade planned for WhonnockLake Park later this spring.

Most of that upgrade will consist offunctional improvements to the park(drainage and parking).

The call for submissions from artists

went out late last month, while a guidedtour of the park will take place on March14 – although taking part in the walk-about is not mandatory for those submit-ting artwork, said Yvonne Chui, manager

of arts and communityconnections with the City.

The City committed$45,000 for the threeworks, with the first pieceto be installed by the endof the year.

Submissions receivedbefore March 26 will beconsidered for both 2015and 2016, while the deci-sion on the 2017 piece willbe made at a later date,said Chui.

While the guidelines for the submis-sions are wide open as far as theme andmedium, Chui said the ideal piece will“integrate itself into the Whonnock experi-ence.”

The deadline for 2015 and 2016 sub-missions is approaching fast – March 26.Interested artists can forward their pre-liminary applications to [email protected].

Public art

Park given an arts boost

TIMES files

Whonnock Lake Park in east MapleRidge is set to receive three newpieces of public art.

Maple Ridge Art Galleryexplores finecraft with a newexhibition on display.

I will arise and go now, and goto Innesfree,

And a small cabin buildthere, of clay and wattlesmade:

Nine bean-rows will I havethere, a hive for the honey-bee;

And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

The words of William ButlerYeats’s poem, Lake Isle atInnesfree, resonates with thework of three regional artists

whose art is currently on displayat the Maple Ridge Art Gallery.

Of Clay, Wattles and Cloth,featuring the work of KaijaRautiainen, Melanie Thompson,and Claire Olivier, is on exhibitfrom March 7 to Saturday, April

25, inside the gallery,located inside The ACT,11944 Haney Place.

Gallery hours areTuesday to Saturday, 11a.m. to 4 p.m. each day,and selected evenings.

Mixed media artist,Melanie Thompson, has

steadily gained acclaim for herbasketry work. The ‘wattles’referred to in Yeats’ poem areactually an old word for basketrymaterial.

Ceramic artist Claire Olivieruses pit firing techniques toburnish the surface of her workswith an array of colours that,according to the gallery, speak

of mysteriousand distant galaxies.

Kaija Rautiainen uses thecombination of computer andhand-rendered processes that

are particular to the Jacquardloom, her recent work referencesunravelling ropes and othercoastline relics.

Melanie Thompson and ClaireOliver are visiting artists fromSalt Spring Island, while KaijaRautiainen’s practice has beenbased in Vancouver for manyyears.

As part of the exhibition, thegallery will host a demonstrationof basketry weaving by someaccomplished local weavers thisThursday, March 19, from 11:30a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

All are welcome to the dem-onstration, sponsored by ThriftyFoods.

• More at www.mrtimes.com,search “Lake Isle at Innesfree”

The ACT

Poetry-inspired exhibit takes shape in galleryMaple Ridge ArtGallery assistantCourtney Harrodhelped promote theOf Clay, Wattlesand Cloth exhibit,showing from March7 to Saturday,April 25 inside thegallery, locatedinside The ACT,11944 Haney Place.Troy Landreville/TIMES

www.m

rtim

es.com

MorePhotosOnline

Stringing of the transmission line (conductors) along the newtransmission towers for the Interior to Lower Mainland TransmissionProject has begun.

Helicopters are required for this work. The contractor has obtained thenecessary permits and permissions and is in compliance with TransportCanada requirements.

Conductor ends will need to be joined with the use of an implosiveconnector that is a metallic sleeve with a small charge in it for eachconductor. Using safe and controlled methods, the sleeves are detonatedwhich compresses (welds) the conductor ends together. This split-secondprocess will create several flashes with smoke and very loud bangs.

Traffic control measures will be in place as needed. Work hours willconform to municipal bylaws.

The new 247 kilometre, 500 kilovolt transmission line between Merrittand Coquitlam will expand the capacity of the system that brings powerto businesses and homes in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

For more information please visit bchydro.com/ilm or contact BC Hydroat [email protected] or at 604 623 4472,toll-free 1 866 647 3334.

NicolaSubstationLyttonPemberton

Whistler

Squamish

Coquitlam

Fraser River

Surrey

Langley

Pitt Meadows

HarrisonHot Springs Hope

Yale

Hwy5

Chilliwack

Kent

Mission

Abbotsford

HarrisonLake

Maple Ridge

Merritt

CheekyeSubstation

IngledowSubstation

MeridianSubstation

ClayburnSubstation

BCH 08-29

ILM ROUTE

EXISTING 500 KV CIRCUITS

BRITISH COLUMBIA

4507

INTERIOR TO LOWERMAINLANDTRANSMISSION PROJECTCONDUCTOR STRINGINGWORK

MINES ACTNOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR PERMITAPPROVING THE MINE PLAN ANDRECLAMATION PROGRAM FOR

(Name of Mine)Take notice that David Pow (agent)

of Meadows Quarry

has filed with the Chief Inspector of Mines, pursuant toPart 10.2.1 of the Health and Safety Reclamation Codefor Mines in British Columbia, a proposed mine plantogether with a program for the protection andreclamation of the land and water courses related tothe proposed Quarry

located at: 20187 / 20185 McNeil (Lot 36, Plan24225,Lot 74, Plan 37524),Lot 35 Plan 24225 andLot 73, Plan 37524)

A copy of the permit application, including supportingdocumentation, is available for public viewing at: PittMeadows Public Library

Any person affected by or interested in this programhas 30 days to make written representation to theChief Inspector of Mines, Ministry of Energy andMines, c/o Mines and Mineral Resources Division,Southwest Region, PO Box 9395 Stn Prov Govt,Victoria BC, V8W 9M9, or email to:[email protected], with a copy to:Bob McLean PO Box #151 Maple Ridge BC V2X7G1

Carrierof theweek

Congratulationson doing a fantastic

job. As winner ofone of our Good Sport

Awards you get

ONE FREESMALLPIZZA

22441 Dewdney Trunk Rd.MAPLE RIDGE

DylanVan bemmelen


T 604-466-6555 ext. 20320575 Thorne Avenue, Maple Ridge

(2 blocks south of Lougheed Hwy between 203rd & 207th)

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ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE ASSISTANTADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE ASSISTANT:FINANCIAL OPTIONCOMPUTER ACCOUNTING PROGRAMPrograms starts April 13!

FOODSAFE BASIC (LEVEL 1)Sa Apr 11 8:30 am-4:30 pmSa May 9 8:30 am-4:30 pmSa Jun 13 8:30 am-4:30 pm$76.00/1 session $25 book and certificate fee

FORKLIFT OPERATOR CERTIFICATESa Apr 18 8:30 am-4:30 pmSa May 23 8:30 am-4:30 pmSa Jun 20 8:30 am-4:30 pm$176.00/1 session $30 book and certificate fee

BUILDING SERVICEWORKERM-Fr Apr 13-May 1 6:00 -10:00 pmM-Fr May 25-Jun 12 6:00 -10:00 pm$789.00/15 sessions $40manual &material fee

DENTAL RECEPTIONFree information session for Fall 2015Sa June 13 10:00 amCall to register.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATIONSpring sessions availableFree Information sessions:May 6, June 17 or August 19Call to register.

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER ASSISTANT PROGRAMRegistration for Fall 2015 Application session:June 5 - $28 – First come first served –limited registration.

BUSINESS PROGRAM COURSES & COMPUTERAPPLICATIONS

BOOKKEEPING 1Textbook: $185.44350 M/W/F Apr 13-May 2012:30 - 2:30 pm44351 T/Th Mar 24-May 147:00-9:00 pm New Session$399/16 sessions Textbook: $180.

ACCOUNTING 245360 M/W Mar 30-May 117:00 - 9:00 pm45361 T/Th May 19-Jun 257:00-9:00 pm New Session45361 M/W May 22-Jun 1712:30 - 2:30 pm$339/12 sessions

ACCOUNTING 345370 T/Th Apr 7-May 2112:30 - 2:30 pm45371 M/W May 13-Jun 27:00 - 9:00 pm$339/14 sessions

SAGE 50 (SIMPLY ACCOUNTING) LEVEL 144104 Sat May 2-May 239:00 am - 2:30 pm$249/3 sessions $50 Text fee

SAGE 50 (SIMPLY ACCOUNTING) LEVEL 244105 Sat May 30-Jun 139:00 am - 2:30 pm$249/3 sessions $50 Text fee

INTRODUCTION TOMSWINDOWS 744112 M-T Apr 13-149:00-11:30am44113 T/Th May 26-286:30-9:00pm$89/2 sessions44111 Sa Apr 119:00 - 2:30pm$89/1 sessions

MS ACCESS 201344235 M-F Jun 2-512:30 – 4:00pm$199/4 sessions Book fee: $25

MS EXCEL 2013 LEVEL 144141 Th-T May 7-199:00 - 11:30 amNo class May 1844142 T/Th Apr 7-306:30-9:00pm$309/8 sessions Book fee: $25

MS EXCEL 2013 LEVEL 244143 W-W May20-279:00 - 11:30 am$249/6 sessions Book fee: $2544144 Sa Apr 11-259:00-3:30$249/3 sessions Book fee: $25

MS OUTLOOK 201344220 Th-M May 21-Jun 112:30-2:30pm$249/8 sessions Book fee: $25

MS POWERPOINT 201344283 Th-W May 28-Jun 39:00-11:30 am44284 T/Th May 5-196:30-9:00pm$249/5 sessions Book fee: $25

MSWORD 2013 LEVEL 144265 W-F Apr 15-249:00 - 11:30 am44266 M/W Apr 13-May 66:30-9:00pm$309/8 sessions Book fee: $25

MSWORD 2013 LEVEL 244270 M-W Apr 27-May 69:00 - 11:30 am44271 M/W May 11-Jun 86:30-9:00 pmNo class May 18$309/8 sessions Book fee: $25

WORLDHOST44295 F Jun 128:30 am - 3:30 pm$139/1 session

SOCIAL MEDIA FOR BUSINESS44285 Th-T Jun 4-99:00 - 11:30 am$159/4 sessions

HOWTOGET BETTER GRADES IN SCHOOLGI-4000 T Apr 21 7:00-8:30pm$49/family – 1 session

WRITING UNDERTHE SKIN: THE ART AND CRAFT OFSPIRITUALMEMOIRGI-4001 M Apr 13-May 11 6:30-9:00pm$149/5 sessionsFROM SURVIVINGTOTHRIVING:EMPOWERING STRATEGIES TO NAVIGATETHROUGH SEPARATIONANDDIVORCEGI-4002 W Apr 22 6:30-8:30pm$29/1 sessionKISSYOUR EXCUSES GOODBYE!Create more fun and adventure in your life.GI-4003 Sa Apr 25 9:00am-12:00pmGI-4004 Tu May 26 6:30-9:30pm$39/1 sessionPILATESGI-4005 W Apr 1-Jun 3 6:30-7:30pm$79/10 sessions $10 Drop-in

ZUMBA©GI-4006 Th Apr 2-Jun 4 7:00-8:00pm$79/10 sessions $10 Drop-in

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: INTRODUCTIONTOYOUR DIGITALCAMERAGI-4007 T May 26-Jun 167:00-9:30pm$99/4 sessionsMACRO PHOTOGRAPHYGI-4008 Sa May 16 9:00am-3:00$89/1 sessionPHOTOGRAPHY FIELDTRIPGI-4009 Sa Jun 20 9:00am-3:30pm$99/1 session Fee includes 1 8x10 print

COMPUTERS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERSGI-4010 Sa Apr 11-May 2 10:00 am-12:00 pm$109/4 sessionsHOWTOWRITE AND PUBLISHYOUROWN BOOK IN 40 DAYSGI-4011 T May 12 6:30-90:30$49/1 sessionTHE NUTRITIONALTHERAPYTO LIVE CANCER FREE:3 dangerous trends women in their 40s face thatcould put them at risk for

cancer and other life threatening diseases.GI-4012 W Apr 15 7:00-9:00pm$29/1 session3 SIMPLE SECRETS SUCCESSFUL PARENTS KNOWTHAT HELPTHEMTO AVOIDTOXICITY INTHEIR KIDS…ANDTHE #1 CAUSE OFMETALTOXICITY IN CHILDRENGI-4013 W May 20 7:00-9:00pm$29/1 sessionHOWTO START A SMALL BUSINESSGI-4014 T Apr 7-May 5 7:00-9:00pm$129/5 sessionsE-COMMERCEGI-4015 T May 12-26 7:00-9:00pm$79/3 sessionsGETTING DOWNTO BUSINESS!GI-4016 Th May 28-Jun 4 7:00-9:00pm$59/2 sessionsSMARTER SELLING 101GI-4017 W Apr 15 6:30-9:30pmGI-4018 W May 27 6:30-9:30pm$39/1 sessionWORLDHOST44283 F Jun 12 8:30 am-3:30 pm$139/1 sessionDOWNSIZING & CLEARING CLUTTER (OR HOWTOORGANIZEYOUR LIFE) WITH SIMPLIFIED SOLUTIONSGI-4019 T Apr 28 6:30-9:00 pmGI-4020 T May 26 6:30-9:00 pm$39/1 sessionSPANISH 1 BEGINNERSGI-4021 T Apr 7-Jun 2 6:15-8:00pm$159/9 sessionsSPANISH FORTRAVELLERS 1 Correct timeGI-4022 Th Apr 9-Jun 4 6:15-8:00pm$159/9 sessions Text: $25

SPANISH 2 INTERMEDIATEGI-4023 T Apr 7-Jun 2 8:00-9:45pm$159/9 sessions

SPANISH FORTRAVELLERS - 2GI-4024 W Apr 8-Jun 3 6:15-8:00pm$159/9 sessions Same Text as Travellers 1

SPANISH: ADVANCEDGI-4025 Th Apr 9-Jun 4 8:00-9:45pm$159/9 sessionsSPANISH: ADVANCED CONVERSATION FOR PROSGI-4026 W Apr 8-Jun 3 8:00-9:45pm$159/9 sessionsITALIAN CONVERSATION & FOODGI-4027 M Apr 13-Jun 8 6:30-8:00pmNo class May 18$149/8 sessions $10 material fee

FINDINGYOUR FAMILYTREE: AN INTRODUCTIONTO GENEALOGYGI-4028 Th Apr 2-23 7:00-9:00pm$109/4 sessionsTHE ESSENTIALS OF AROMATHERAPYGI-4039 T Apr 14 6:30-9:30pm$49/1 sessionBOTANICAL BODYCAREGI-4040 Th May 7 6:30-9:00pm$49/1 sessionPERENNIALS ~ BY DESIGNWITH SUE FLEMINGGI-4041 Th Apr 9-30 6:30-8:00pm$59/1 sessionRED CROSS CERTIFIED FIRST AIDWITH FIRST AID HERO

RED CROSS CPR C & AEDGI-4029 Sa May 23 8:30am-4:30pmGI-4030 Sa Jun 20 8:30am-4:30pm$69/1 sessionRED CROSS HEALTH CARE PROVIDER CPR & AEDGI-4031 Sa May 23 8:30am-4:30pmGI-4032 Sa Jun 20 8:30am-4:30pm$69/1 session

RED CROSS EMERGENCY FIRST AID & CPR C/AEDGI-4033 Sa May 23 8:30am-4:30pmGI-4034 Sa Jun 20 8:30am-4:30pm$89/1 sessionRED CROSS STANDARD FIRST AID & CPR C/AEDThirdWednesday sessionmay be necessary depending on classsize.GI-4035 Sa May 23 8:30am-4:30pm

M/W May 25 & 276:30-9:30pmGI-4036 Sa Jun 20 8:30am-4:30pm

M/W Jun 22 & 246:30-9:30pm$137/2-3 sessionsRED CROSS BABYSITTINGFOR 11YEARS OLD +GI-1000 W Jul 15 8:30am-3:30pm$63/1 sessionRED CROSS EMERGENCY CHILD CARE FIRST AID + CPR/AEDGI-4037 Sa Jun 6 8:30am-4:30pm$89/1 sessionRED CROSS INFANT/BABYWORKSHOP(FOR INFANTS 12MONTHS ANDUNDER)GI-4038 W May 20 7:00-9:00pm$36/1 sessionCALL FOR INSTRUCTORS!Do you have a passion, skill or special knowledge that you wouldlike to share? Submit a proposal to Ridge Meadows College outliningcourse content, resources needed, length, possible dates and contactinformation.We may be able to work with you in presenting yourcourse.Written submissions only please.Email: [email protected]: 604-463-5437

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Email us: [email protected]


Henri Persaud (far right)is just one of the MapleRidge firefighter who willbe preparing and servinga wide range of tapas forthe Fire in the Kitchenevening at Golden EarsCheesecrafters on March 20.

TIMES files

Charity

Firemenheatingup thekitchenTapas and wine areon the menu as localemergency responderstake over Golden EarsCheesecrafters for afundraiser evening.by Ronda [email protected]

It’s going to be a hotnight in the kitchen ofGolden Ears Cheesecrafterson Friday Mar. 20.

Not just because tapasare going to be cooked, butalso because local firefight-ers will be serving them.

It’s all in support ofthe B.C. ProfessionalFirefighters’ Burn Fund.

The girls’ night out willinclude a variety of tastytapas prepared and servedby local firefighters, alongwith a wide range ofcheeses and wine tastings,explained Emma Davisonof Cheesecrafters.

“The last time they [thefirefighters] did one ofthese types of events forus, we had quite a fewdifferent dishes,” Davisonsaid.

This time, firefighters –including the main organiz-er – are from Maple Ridge.And the event is beingcalled Fire in the Kitchenwine and tapas night.

“There’s one of them inparticular who organizesthese kinds of events,”noted Davison.

“It’s Henri Persaud. He’sa local firefighter heav-ily involved in all of thecharity work. He’s a greatguy.”

The volunteers at theevening will be in full uni-form, and while servingfood to guests, will alsobe available for photos,Davison noted.

Together with the fire-fighters and Golden EarsCheesecrafters, SperlingVineyards is another hostof the event, with Sperlingwines as the featured bev-erage.

“There are door prizessuch as gourmet gift bas-kets, cooking classes, andevent giveaways,” addedDavison.

There will also be swagbags for each of the guests.

Tickets for the eveningon Friday, March 20, 7 to10 p.m., are $75 and areexpected to sell quickly.

Tickets are availablein person at Golden EarsCheesecrafters or by calling604-467-0004.

Look for your ballot in the mail and vote YES.Check out the Plan at mayorscouncil.ca

MORE WEST COAST EXPRESS SERVICEAn additional 10 new train cars and 1 new locomotive will

offer more service during peak morning and evening hours,

and 3,000 more seats per day.

NEW B-LINE RAPID BUS SERVICENew bus routes will connect growing communities to the West Coast

Express, while new B-Line rapid bus routes will connect Maple Ridge and

Pitt Meadows to Coquitlam and Langley with fast and frequent service.

ROAD UPGRADESRoad upgrades will ensure commuters, goods and

services can move more freely, efficiently and safely,

while also addressing critical bottlenecks.

Why shouldMaple Ridge &Mission vote YES?

Together, these projects and many more meet the demands of an expected population

growth of 1 million in the next 30 years, which would otherwise put unimaginable strain

on an already overcrowded transportation network.

Voting YES in the upcoming Transit and Transportation Referendum will reduce the

costs of congestion by 33% and improve the quality of life for everyone. All for less than

35 cents a day per household. Vote YES for a faster commute, a stronger economy and

a better environment.


Animal health

Pet Pauseby Dr. Michael Orser

Veterinarian and owner ofAlouette Animal Hospital

[email protected]

There has been alot of informationin the media latelyabout vaccinations

for children and why someparents opt to delay vac-cinations or choose not tovaccinate altogether.

This debate also occurswithin the pet ownercommunity, albeit for dif-ferent reasons. The onetruism for both, however,is that like children, petsrely on others to make aninformed decision on theirbehalf about their long-term well-being.

Vaccines are productsdesigned to trigger protect-ive immune responses inpets and prepare them tofight future infections fromdisease-causing agents.

They can effectively less-en the severity of futurediseases and can preventthem. Vaccination can helpprolong the life of your pet,and contribute to overallhealth and wellness andcan save their life in theinstance of direct exposureto many viruses.

Some vaccines are one-timers, while many require

boosters in the future toeffectively maintain thepet’s immunity.

In dogs, there are vac-cinations for distemper,hepatitis, parainfluenza,parvo virus, corona virus,borde tella (kennel cough),rabies, lyme, and evengiardia.

In cats, there are vaccin-ations for Panleukopenia,calicivirus, rhinotracheitis(herpes), feline leukemia,rabies, Chlamydia, andseveral others that are lesscommonly used.

The types of vaccinationsthat are recommended foryour pet will depend on

the geographic area andan assessment of the pet’slifestyle and general risk ofexposure.

A large dog that runsaround outside and fre-quents dog parks, day-cares, or obedience classeswill certainly have a higherrisk for exposure to virusesthan an older poodle livingin an apartment with nocontact with other dogs.

Although we never wantto over-vaccinate pets, wedo have to make sure theyare adequately protected.

Some pet owners mayfeel the pet never goesoutside, therefore does notneed vaccinations.

This may be unrealistic,as cats can escape outsidequite often, and even ifthey only go in the back-yard, they may be exposedto birds, bats, squirrels,raccoons, stray cats, etc.

If they go to a boardingkennel when on vacation,they should have vac-cinations up-to-date at leasttwo weeks prior to theboarding – for their safetyand that of other petsaround them.

Boosters are requiredbecause the protection pro-vided by a vaccine grad-ually declines with time.

Some people prefer tohave a titer test to measurethe antibody levels. Thiscan be done for distemperand parvovirus. However,it can be quite expensiveand the results may not

always be easily correlatedwith protective immunity.

Certainly if a pet is veryold and has little expos-ure to contagious diseasesthen vaccinations may notbe paramount, especiallyif there are other medicalconditions that requiremore immediate attention.


Pets count on people to make best health decisions

Alouette’s Dr. Michael Orser gavethis dog its vaccination shots.

#104-22645 Dewdney Trunk Rd 604-476-2525Haney Animal Hospital“YOUR FULL SERVICE VETERINARIAN CLINIC”

www.haneyanimalhospital.comMonday - Saturday 8AM-8PM - Sunday 11AM-7PM

Serenity was dropped off at a localvet to be euthanized because of heraggression. We learned that she camefrom a very stressful household andprobably developed this aggression toprotect herself. We gave her the nameSerenity in order to help her get overher trauma. When she first came in itwas almost impossible to get near her.Then she developed an ear infectionthat needed to be treated. So we wouldtreat her and them spend some timepetting her and telling her what a greatgirl she is. Soon Serenity was purringand responding to the petting. She stillhas her moments and will require a quiethome where she can feel safe but thislittle white gem is really a beautiful soul.

This is Wonder and she really is a Wonder.She was found living as a stray on thestreets and she is completely blind.Wonder is a great older gal with a lot ofspunk. She may have been homeless,and she may be blind bit that has notstopped Wonder from losing her spirit.She’s a chatty gal who has no problemtelling you exactly what she thinks ofyou or the situation. It took Wonder abouttwo weeks to feel comfortable enough toexplore the shelter, now it’s like she ownsplace. Wonder does require medicationtwice a day and we would be happy toadopt her out as a permanent foster to aquiet home without too many changes. Ifyou need someone to chat with…this isthe girl for you.

Skeeter is a sweet, innocent, timid boyand we have no idea how he endedup as a stray. One day Skeeter sawa young boy and decided to followhim home. Unfortunately the familycould not have pets so Skeeter cameto us. Skeeter has been hurt before.He’s rather timid around humans andit takes him a bit of time to gain yourtrust. You just need to take your timewith him. He’s a gorgeous boy and inthe right home Skeeter will mature intoa delightful companion. His confidenceis already improving and it’s only amatter of time before this boy is lookingfor a lap to call his own. He’s wide-eyedand ready for the world.

Member of

lookingwide-eyed

Examinations ...................................... $40Cat Neuter from.................................. $50Cat Spay from..................................... $60Basic Cat Vaccine (FVRCPC) ................. $28Dog Neuter from ................................ $70Dog Spay from.................................... $85Basic Dog Vaccine (DA2PP) .................. $32

NOW AVAILABLEIN CLINIC

Laser surgery,Digital Xray &Ultrasound.

• All medical & surgical proceduresperformed in clean, modernclimate controlled facility

Flea Season is Here

10255 JACKSON ROAD, MAPLE RIDGE (BEHIND THE SPCA) • 604-463-7917Hours: noon-2:00 Saturdays & Sundays • www.katiesplace.comKATIE’S PLACE

This very unique boy is Oshee.He seems to have a constant worriedlook on his face. Oshee is only about2 years old and by our standardsthat’s very young. Oshee was livingas a stray for a while, and it tookquite a bit of time and some goodold team work to catch this guy.Thiskid is obviously very friendly justcompletely terrified when he firstcame in. He must have gone throughsome sort of trauma that includedhumans because. Oshee has not beenwith us for very long and we alreadysee improvement in his demeanortowards humans. It’s just a matter oftime before he is sitting on someone’slap soaking in the cuddles.

WESTGATE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

WESTGATE SHOPPING CENTRE650-20395 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge

604.465.3676Mon.— Fri. 8:00am — 8:00pm • Sat. 8:00am- 6:00pm • Sun. 9:00am — 4:00pm

FLEA SEASONIS HERE

Great Deals onFlea Products!

COMMITTEDTO PROVIDING

Walk InsWelcome

VETERINARYCARE WITH

A PERSONAL TOUCH

ServingMaple Ridge,PittMeadows and Surrounding

Area Since 2003

On Deck

Send your scoresand game reports [email protected]

Cash raisedA recent tournament, held at

Meadow Gardens Golf Coursein Pitt Meadows, raised $4,300for the Canadian Breast CancerFoundation. The tournament,which was organized by seniormen’s club captain Don Gold, saw68 people take part in the event.The cause was near to Gold’sheart, as he has battled cancerhimself, and his daughter is abreast cancer survivor.• More online: www.mrtimes.com,

click on “Sports”

Ridge representsRidge Meadows Minor Hockey

Association players were part ofthe Fraser Valley North Midget CScholarship team, which won theFraser Valley Midget Scholarshipchampionship in Abbotsford.Ridge Meadows players on theteam included Mick Jackson,Brennan Mund, Chris Sonea, NickMcMorran, Gage Arksey, andMartin Anderson.• More online: www.mrtimes.com,


Hornets in top 10Maple Ridge Christian School

boys hoops quad posted a solidshowing at the recent provincials.• More online: www.mrtimes.com,


Sports Recreation

Warriors win titleRidge Meadows Minor Hockey

Association’s Atom C6 Warriorswere crowned champions atthe Burnaby Minor HockeyAssociation’s Spring Blast tour-nament this past weekend.The team went unbeaten in sixgames and downed the BurnabyBulldogs Atom C2 team 6-0 in thefinal game.• More online: www.mrtimes.com,


Team members celebrated theirgold medal win at the tournament.


Runners bridge gap during raceDrizzly skies were no match for those whoparticipated in the fifth annual Golden Ears HalfMarathon and 10K, from Pitt Meadows to Langleyand back, this past Sunday. Langley’s Josh Saffold(bottom right) was the top finisher in the HalfMarathon, while Coquitlam resident Olivia Willettfinished first in the 10K. Other participantsincluded Port Coquitlam’s Gordon Wilson (bottomleft) and Langley’s Trevor Anderson ( middleright.) Local runners scored top 10 finishes as well.View top 10 results and more at www.mrtimes.com.

Photos byEric Zimmer

www.mrtim

es.co

m

MorePhotosOnline

Depression and mentalhealth is the focus of anew short film.by Troy Landreville andJohn [email protected]

Derek Hird has a storyto tell, one that toucheshim personally, and he’susing his two passions,pro wrestling and film-making, to deliver it.

The 41-year-old PittMeadows resident isthe producer and co-writer (along with TheoFrancon) of the short filmThe Weirdo Hero.

The film’s focus isdepression and mentalhealth awareness and thegoal is to release it inter-nationally through festi-vals and schools to helpeducate viewers, as wellas working towards edu-cational TV channels andstreaming companies suchas Netflix.

Filming started this pastweekend.

The film’s “WeirdoHero” is successful pro-fessional wrestler RandyMyers who, after winningthe ECCW title, strugglesas his “real world”responsibilities comecrashing down aroundhim.

In the fight of his lifewith undiagnosed depres-sion and treading waterfinancially, Myers’ effortsare made harder by ananimated version of hisown self doubt that ter-rorizes him until he findshimself on the literaledge.

Pro wrestling anddepression are familiarbedfellows in Hird’sworld, which is why hefelt this story needs to betold.

“I personally suffer fromdepression, as does mylead actor, and the con-cept came about throughconversations with friendsand family had about the

death of [actor] RobinWilliams, because hecommitted suicide fromdepression,” Hird said.

“Some people don’tunderstand the problemand think, ‘what a cow-ard, he took the easy wayout.’”

Another motivating fac-tor: to send a messageto those who suffer fromdepression that it’s okayto ask for help, and not tobe ashamed about it.

“That’s the genesis ofthe story,” Hird said. “Toeducate those who don’tunderstand.”

While fictional, theplot closely follows thelife of Myers, a current

ECCW wrestler who lastyear began seeking helpfor depression after liv-ing with the condition formore than three decadeswithout proper diagnosis.

continued on page A15...

Awareness

Pitt wrestler producing a movie

Ravenous Randy Myers is thesubject of a short film.

Pitt hosts playoffsThe Grade 8 provincial hoops

championships took place at PittMeadows Secondary recently. TheGrade 8 girls and boys manageda single win between them duringthe event.• More online: www.mrtimes.com,


Did you know?There is no referral necessary. Just come in and ask to see a counsellor.

604.467.5179 • www.alouetteaddictions.org

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times Tuesday, March 17, 2015 [email protected]

...continued from page A14Company owner and

Port Coquitlam residentMary Diaz noted ECCWwrestlers are all donatingtheir time to be a part ofthe film, while also lend-ing logistical support anddonating equipment.

Diaz’s company stagesan annual event inPoCo each winter calledWrestling With Hungerto support the SHARESociety’s food bank, andlending support to theupcoming film shootserves as another exampleof trying to help those inthe community who needit.

“I hope that people willtalk about their problemsand get the help that theyneed,” she said. “Theyshouldn’t feel alone. Thereare always people outthere who can help, evenit’s just being able to callsomeone up and have achat — regardless of it thatchat is for no particularreason or if someone isreaching out to ask forhelp.”

Hird has done individualprojects such as trainingvideos for corporations,but this is his first theat-rical effort.

“My inspiration is RonHoward,” Hird said. “Hemakes amazing, story-driven movies. You haveto feel for these characters

and believe in these char-acters. If you don’t feel forthem or believe them, thenwhat’s the point of tellingthis story?”

The film’s running timewill be between 20 and 25minutes.

“You can get more of inimpact in a short film thanyou can in a feature,” Hirdopined. “You can get real-ly engulfed [in the film] ina brief amount of time.”

The topic of wrestlingon the independent circuitis in Hird’s wheelhouse,especially since for thepast 12 years – under thepseudonym of MichaelRaines, former tag teampartner of his “brother”Memphis Raines – he’sbeen with ECCW, a B.C.-based promotion.

“Pro wrestling at theindependent level givesyou a chance to get so

close to the fans,” Hirdsaid. “It’s unlike nothingelse. Fans want to believeyou and want to be a partof you.”

While everyone involvedis volunteering their timebecause, as Hird notes, “ofthe strength of the story,”he has a talented crew towork with.

The director is RyanCurtis, whose “day job”is full time visual effectscoordinator on the TVshow Supernatural.Helping to prepare thestory for the screen isscreenwriter ShayneKoyczan

The film’s websitecan be found at www.theweirdohero.com.

Those interested inthe film can search it onFacebook and Twitter aswell, using keywords: TheWeirdo Hero.

Film focuses on mental health

Ravenous Randy Myers is the subject of the short film The Weirdo Hero.

240St

Rainbow

Creek

112 Ave

KanakaWay

Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Times March 17 2015

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Transcript of Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Times March 17 2015