maple ridge pitt meadows times february 3 2015

Tuesday, February 3, 2015Musician Boris Sichon gave

Highland Park students a samplingof sounds from around the globe.

Page A10

Federal politics

Kamp bowingout of politicsThe local MP announced at aConservative association’s annualgeneral meeting Saturday that he’snot seeking a fifth term.by Roxanne [email protected]

Randy Kamp hasinformed the CanadianPrime Minister he’s leav-ing federal politics.

The Member ofParliament for PittMeadows-Maple Ridge-Mission announcedSaturday that he will not be seeking re-election this fall, citing a health issue asone factor in his decision.

Kamp will, however, continue servingas the local MP until the election.

“In recent months I’ve had a grow-ing sense that it was time to move on toanother chapter of my life,” he said afterthe annual meeting of the local associa-tion for the Conservative Party of Canada.

Kamp, 61, has been the local MP for thepast four terms. He first entered the arenaof federal politics 18 years ago, when hebecame the executive assistant to his pre-decessor, Grant McNally – MP for the for-mer federal riding of Dewdney-Alouette.He was then elected to the office in 2004.

“Time flies when you’re having fun,but this chapter has become quite a longone, and I think it’s time to turn thepage,” said the MP who also serves asParliamentary Secretary to the Minister ofFisheries and Oceans.

Speaking to his health issue, the MPexplained that his hearing suddenly beganto decline about four years ago, first inone ear and then the other, to the pointwhere he has profound loss in the left andsevere loss in the right.

“Some might say that I’m deaf in oneear and can’t hear out of the other. Iadmit that it has made doing the job moredifficult – in fact, it’s made life more dif-ficult – but with the help of some technol-ogy I’ve learned to cope pretty well, and Idon’t think any physical disability shoulddisqualify you from being a Member ofParliament. So it wasn’t the primary factorin my decision,” Kamp elaborated.

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

Randy KampMember of Parliament

• LOCAL NEWS, SPORTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT • mrtimes.com • 604-463-2281 • 16 PAGES

Troy Landreville/TIMES

Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows director of recreation Wendy McCormick and facility operations manager Michael Millward stood inside the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre’s aquaticarea on Monday afternoon. The pool area was closed Friday and then on Saturday morning to allow repairs to be done, after a 50-plus foot section insulated metal stormpipe fell onto its deck.

A 50-foot section of metal pipingfell on the pool deck at Maple RidgeLeisure Centre Thursday night.by Troy [email protected]

Maple Ridge Leisure Centre’s aquaticarea was closed all day Friday and onSaturday morning, after a section of pipefell onto the pool deck.

But since repairs were completed andthoroughly checked over, it has beenbusiness as usual in the leisure centre’spool area.

Sometime early Friday morning, a 50-plus foot section of insulated metal stormpipe fell onto the pool deck in the wingof the leisure centre that was expandedin 2000 – on the west side of the facility

south of the large waterslide.Staff discovered the collapse at 5:30

a.m. Friday.A short time later they closed the

entire aquatic facility – asking existingpatrons to leave.

“We can now reportthat the pipe was a stormwater drain pipe [abouttwo inches in diameter]that moves water fromthe roof of the expandedsection to the stormwater system,” a Cityalert stated earlier in the day Friday.

“This type of piping is only presentin this section of the pool, and doesnot affect the balance of the facility,”explained a report by director of recrea-tion Wendy McCormick.

On Friday night, the repairs were com-pleted. On Saturday morning, a structur-

al engineer inspected the work and gavethe all clear to open up the pool area.The wade pool will remain closed whiletile repair work “sets up,” however therest of the pool will be open.

“It’s all been checked over,”McCormick reiteratedMonday.

“We received writtenconfirmation from a struc-tural engineer that it wassafe to let the public in at1 p.m, Saturday. There’sno danger [to the pub-

lic], not at all. The only work still to becompleted is replacing a few pool anddeck tiles and installing new roof drains.Other than that it is complete.”

City spokesman Fred Armstrongrefuted Facebook rumours that the entirefacility was falling apart.

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

Recreation facilities

Falling pipes force pool closure

“There is no danger[to the public].”Wendy McCormick

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Drug trafficker jailedA 30-year-old Maple Ridge drug pusher

will be jailed for five years. ChristopherLeigh Harmes was arrested in his GardenStreet home, and pleaded guilty last fallto two counts of possession of metham-phetamines and fentanyl for the purposeof trafficking, not to mention firearmsoffences. He was sentenced Friday.

• More at www.mrtimes.com

Knifing earns jail timeA 50-year-old former Maple Ridge

woman will spend three months in prisonfor stabbing her boyfriend back in 2011.

Teresa Marlene Shayler was sentencedlast week in B.C. Supreme Court on thecharge of aggravated assault, JusticeRobert Crawford giving her 90 days in jailfor the drug-fueled stabbing.


TIMES files

Back in 2011, emergency crews blocked offpart of downtown Maple Ridge after a manwas discovered stabbed multiple times.

Discover the joys of floraand fauna in our ruralareas. Liz welcomes

questions [email protected]

River TalkRiver Talkby Liz Hancock

Welcome the mossesEnvironmentalist and TIMES columnist

Liz Hancock shares some insights intothat pesky moss that clings to our roofs,covers our trees, and overruns our lawn.

She goes beyond its hindrances andtell us some good things it brings to life.


National award wonThe Canadian Arts

Presenting Association(CAPACOA) has namedthe Maple Ridge and PittMeadows Arts Council’s ownLindy Sisson as the 2013-2014 presenter of the year.Sission is also the executive

and artistic director of The ACT. Theaward was announced during CAPACOA’sannual awards gala, in Halifax, NS.


A presentation from TransLinkMonday did little to swaycouncil views on an upcomingtaxation referendum.

by Cole [email protected]

Maple Ridge council movedone step closer to a united voiceon the upcoming transit tax ref-erendum Monday, after listeningto TransLink executives deliver apitch Monday.

The proposed 0.5-per-cent taxincrease would be dedicated toimproving transit around theMetro Vancouver area, includingMaple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.Those changes were outlined ina 10-year plan created by theMayors’ Council on RegionalTransportation last year.

If residents vote yes on the

referendum next month, MapleRidge could see “immediate”improvements to existing transitservice, according to Mike Buda,executive director of the mayors’council.

However, the newB-Line express bus toCoquitlam, improvedWest Coast Express(WCE) service, and theexpansion of bus serviceto Thornhill and Albionwould not roll out forthree to five years.

A number of council-lors remained skepticalof TransLink’s ability todeliver on their prom-ises, especially within the pro-vided timeline.

Councillor Gordy Robson’squestions highlighted the City’stumultuous history with the tran-sit corporation.

Robson wanted to know why apreviously promised WCE station

in Albion wasn’t included in the10-year plan.

“We can look at that – it mightneed a year or two, but we canlook into that,” responded RobertPaddon, a TransLink vice-pres-

ident.“It was a commit-

ment,” Robson shotback.

Coun. Corisa Bellasked why the demandfor afternoon service ofWCE hasn’t been met.

Paddon explainedthat an afternoon trainwouldn’t see enoughriders to pay for thecost, but adding another

morning train would help to easethe morning service, which isoperating above capacity.

Coun. Craig Speirs told thedelegation that he too was lean-ing towards a ‘no’ vote, andwondered why the possibility ofa bus line to Mission hadn’t been

explored.Coun. Kiersten Duncan echoed

the desire for more transitoptions to Mission.

Though Mission pays a fee toTransLink for the WCE oper-ation, the district resides outsidethe Metro Vancouver border, andwould be unaffected by the pro-posed tax increase.

Last December, Mayor NicoleRead was one of three mayors tovote against pushing the plan toa referendum.

At a council meeting on Jan.27, she said the 10-year planand the accompanying taxhike would be a “tough sell”to Maple Ridge residents. Sheechoed those comments duringMonday’s meeting.

“I think many residents are sit-ting in a position where they areinclined to vote ‘no,’” said Read.

Council is now expected toponder taking a unified stance onthe referendum.

Transportation

Promises don’t assuage council

Gordy RobsonCouncillor

With help from brother Nelson, GrahamTalbot has created an ad that was seenby more than 100 million people.by Troy [email protected]

More than 100 million viewers around theworld saw a pig fly in Aldergrove on SuperBowl Sunday, thanks to some digital magicand the ingenuity of filmmaking twins fromMaple Ridge.

Graham Talbot, with help from his twinbrother Nelson, created the 30-second adver-tisement When Pigs Fly which aired duringthe big game between the New EnglandPatriots and Seattle Seahawks.

Because the ad was shown during theSuper Bowl, the Talbot twins took homehome $50,000 US as part of Doritos’ Crashthe Superbowl Contest.

This is the first time a consumer-createdDoritos ad by a filmmaker from outside ofthe US has won the competition and airedduring a Super Bowl, the NFL’s annualchampionship game and one of the most-watched television events in the world.

The grand prize winner, whose ad alsoaired during the game, was Los Angelesresident Scott Zabielski, whose commercialMiddle Seat garnered the most fan votes onwww.doritos.com, thus earning top honoursin this year’s contest.

Zabielski wasawarded $1 millionUS to go along witha job working atUniversal Pictures inHollywood.

Graham’s sub-mission in the wasamong 10 finalistsselected from nearly4,900 entries from29 countries.

Only one other Canadian entry made it tothe final.

In the commercial, a bespectacled boy asksa farmer named Ralph if he could have oneof his Doritos.

“Sure,” Ralph answered with a dismissiveshrug, “when pigs fly.”

The boy narrowedhis eyes, rubbed hischin, ideas churningin his head.

He workedthrough the night tobuild a homemaderocket, which hestrapped onto theanimal’s back.

After launchingthe pig into the air using a remote control,the boy got his wish.

Speechless at first, Ralph quickly hands

the lad his bag of Doritos.All of the finalists were invited to sit in

a private suite during the game when twoultimate winners would be announced andtheir commercials aired.

“We were all on pins and needles andno one knew anything,” Graham said. “Wewere just in a box and they only tell you[the news] 10 minutes before your ad comesup. I just exploded. I was shaking withexcitement and holding back tears.”

Talbot said that getting to the finals hadalready netted him $25,000.

All in all, “it’s not quite enough to doeverything and move out of my parents’house, but it’s still a pretty big chunk ofmoney and it will allow me to pay backpeople and takes a little pressure off.”

– with files from the Vancouver Sun

Dorotos contest

Twins’ ad airs during Super Bowl

Profiled by The TIMES last month, the Talbot twins from Maple Ridge worked together to create the 30-second Doritos’commercial When Pigs Fly, which aired during Sunday’s Super Bowl.

Lindy SissonAward winnner


A search leader describes Friday’srescue in Golden Ears Provincial Parkas a good news event.by Roxanne [email protected]

A trio of hikers had to be airlifted offGolden Ears Mountain Friday morning.

Members of the Ridge Meadows Searchand Rescue team were called in to helppluck three young Maple Ridge men fromthe mountainside after attempts to propelto the peak were foiled by ice, explainedRick Laing, manager of the search team.

The men set out mid-morning Thursdaywith the goal of hiking to the mountainsummit in Golden Ears Provincial Parkover a two- day period.

After reaching Panorama Ridge on thenorth side of the mountain Thursdayevening, they were cold, fatigued, andconcerned about going any further up themountain – through the snowfield – to thesummit, given the icy conditions, Laingexplained.

While they took a tent, sleeping bags,warm clothes, food, and a stove, theirfootwear wasn’t up for the task, said theveteran rescue member.

Two of them had casual hiking shoes,while the other was only outfitted withrunners – which would have made climb-ing to the summit “not only difficult butpotentially very dangerous,” Laing said.

What added to the problem was a lackof experience, Laing said. He noted onlyone of them had ever climbed up to thesummit, and that was during the summer.

Fortunately, he added, the trio recog-nized the dangers.

After a night hunkered down in anemergency shelter that exists on PanoramaRidge, they determined going further upover the ice was impossible and even hik-ing back down could prove hazardousgiven the slippery condi-tions.

“They did not feel itwas safe for them to tryand traverse the snow-field, so they made thecorrect decision to callthe RCMP, who in turnpaged us out this morning at 8:30,” Laingelaborated on Friday. “Given the condi-tions, it was the right thing to do.”

Four local search members partneredwith Talon Helicopters to perform the res-cue, touching down at the rescue team’sstaging area on Panorama Ridge at about

10:30 Friday morning and delivered themen back down at the base of the moun-tain just minutes later.

“Other than being a little cold, everyonewas in good shape,” Laing said. “After ashort discussion with them, they realizedthat they had made some errors in judg-ment by not having appropriate equipmentand skills to climb Golden Ears in thewinter.”

While there is no simple checklist thatexists to help hikers prepare for such atrek up to the Golden Ears summit, thelocal search team offer a few recommen-dations for hikers contemplating such ahike – especially during the winter.

First off, Laing recommended people getinvolved in outdoor clubs, where they cango out on a variety of different types ofhikes in a group before venturing out ontheir own or in smaller parties.

People should also to do some researchand understand the topography they’reheading into and how it’s likely to changethroughout the different seasons.

And taking it a step further, he advisedpeople to talk to others who have hikedthe route in similar conditions, so they

can truly understand whatto expect and how best toprepare.

Laing wants people toenjoy this community’s back-country. But, before headingout into the wilderness, heimplored folks to be fully

prepared.This, he said, was a good rescue. No

one was injured, lost, or hurt. But ifpeople aren’t properly prepared, an enjoy-able trek through the majestic parks in PittMeadows and Maple Ridge can turn dan-gerous and potentially deadly.

Backcountry excursion

Chopper plucks cold hikers from ridgeCourts

Off-duty copcharged inconfinementRidge Meadows RCMP areinvestigating a domestic disputecase involving a fellow officer.by Roxanne [email protected]

An off-duty Vancouver Police offi-cer is due back in court Wednesday,after being arrested on allegations ofassault and unlawful confinement inMaple Ridge.

On the afternoon of Jan. 23, awoman showed up at the RidgeMeadows RCMP office to report shehad been the victim of a domestic-related assault at the hands of an off-duty Vancouver Police officer.

The Vancouver Police Department(VPD) was advised of the allegations,and in turn notified the office of thepolice complaint commissioner.

That same night, Ridge MeadowsRCMP officers went to the 34-year-old man’s home and arrested him.

The officer has been a member ofthe force for 10 years and accordingto a release issued by VPD, he hasbeen removed from front line dutiespending the investigation.

It would not be appropriate forthe VPD to comment further on theRCMP investigation, a release stated.

Talon Helicopters was called in to help rescue threehikers in Golden Ears Provincial Park on Fridaymorning. They touched down at the site of the formerparks headquarters, loaded up two search members,then flew up to Panorama Ridge to find the hikers.

“Other than being alittle cold, everyonewas in good shape.”Rick Laing

FEBRUARY

2015

Visit www.theactmapleridge.org for schedules. | Register at recreg4u.ca or 604-465-2470.

This month at The ACT60°North: SHETLANDNow - February 28, 2015Originally from Scotland, Vancouver-based painterJeff Wilson shows work inspired by his sojourn atThe Booth, an acclaimed residency program basedin the Shetland Islands.Family DayMonday, February 9, 11:00 am – 3:00 pmJoin the Maple Ridge Festival of Light Society for alantern-making workshop and the Maple Ridge PittMeadows Arts Council for a special craft.Bobs and LoLoMonday, February 9, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pmBobs & LoLo are two-time JUNO nominatedsinger-songwriters and the dynamic duo regularlyspotted on Treehouse TV in their upbeat, musicalpreschool series - Sing, Dance and Play withBobs & LoLo.Sarah SleanSaturday, February 14, 8:00 pmThree-time JUNO Award nominee and internationaltouring artist Sarah Slean is described by TIMEMagazine as “one of the most compelling actsCanada has to offer”.Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada’s PiafSunday, February 22, 7:30 pmPiaf is an original ballet that explores Edith Piaf’sdramatic life shrouded in mystery, love, and tragedy

reflected in her authentic and life-inspired songs.GEMS: TracksMonday, February 23, 7:30 pmThe astonishing true story of Robyn Davidson, whoin 1977 set out on a solo 2,700-kilometre journey byfoot across the Australian Outback. Rated PG

Classical Coffee Concerts with Sarah HagenWednesday, February 25, 10:00 amAn up close and personal music experience withshared stories, musical insights, coffee and treats.With special guest Violist Tawnya Popoff

Rock.It Boy Entertainment Presents ChilliwackThursday, February 26, 7:30 pm“At their best, Chilliwack was the finest Canadianrock band, out-rocking BTO and out-writing BurtonCummings.” –Rolling Stone Magazine

ALT FestFebruary 27 – March 1Three dates, three unique experiences; a newarts festival for the adventurous! Discover newalternative performances and help support ourcommunity with a non-perishable food item donationfor the Friends In Need food bank.

Lobby Nights at the ACTJoin us on select Tuesdays and Thursdays from7:00 – 9:00 p.m. for a free evening of entertainment.

Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times Tuesday, February 3, 2015 A5

Lougheed Highway east of Haneywas shut down much of Thursdayafternoon and evening, after a fatalcrash on the Albion Flats.by Roxanne [email protected]

A small roadside memor-ial started taking shape onthe Albion Flats this pastweekend, as friends, fam-ily, coworkers, and evenstrangers began payingtheir respects to an off-dutyparamedic killed in a crashThursday afternoon.

Emergency respond-ers were in shock whenthey arrived on scene onthe Albion Flats to learnthe victim in the collisionbetween a motorcycle andsemi was one of their own– 43-year-old Ryan Ferrier.

While the cause ofthe crash is still underinvestigation, police haveconfirmed the westboundmotorcyclist collided witha semi trailer truck thatwas turning left off theLougheed Highway onto105th Avenue at about4:20 p.m.

Police, firefighters, and fellow paramed-ics were all dispatched, but efforts to saveFerrier were unsuccessful, reported RidgeMeadows RCMP Cpl. Alanna Dunlop.

“This very tragic incident is beingthoroughly” investigated by Ridge

Meadows RCMP Traffic Servicesand the Integrated Collision AnalystReconstructionist Services (ICARS), shesaid.

The crash and subsequent investigationforced the closure of the entire LougheedHighway for a period of time, and the

westbound lane until lateThursday night.

“The investigators wantto thank all who had tomake alternate plans,and were most certainlydelayed,” Dunlop said.

Ferrier is described as afather, friend, paramedic,and soccer dad.

Friends and family ofFerrier are paying tribute tohim on various Facebookpages.

One friend, PittMeadows’ Lorie Muller,said: “Yesterday we losta great friend... How cana life be taken so quickly,without warning?”

Iain McNicol wrote:“Another person gone toosoon.”

Diane Speirs, wifeof Maple Ridge CityCouncillor Craig Speirs,described it as a “badintersection.”

She knows of at leastthree people who have losttheir lives there.

“Maybe there needs to be a designatedleft turn light,” she said, offering condol-ences to Ferrier’s family and friends.

• More condolences and comments on the TIMES’Facebook page

Albion Flats

Friends erectingmemorial

Rick Moyer/TIMES

A roadside memorial for RyanFerrier is taking shape in Albion,while funeral arrangements are stillbeing worked out with Garden HillFuneral Services.

www.sd42.ca

22225 Brown Avenue, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 8N6 Tel. 604.463.4200

Late French Immersion begins in grade 6. Students who are currently in grade 5 are eligibleto begin Late French Immersion in September, 2015 at Golden Ears Elementary School.Come to our information meeting on February 4th to find out more.

For more information, contact Shelley Linton att. 604.463.7108 ore. [email protected].

7 pm, February 4, 2015Golden Ears Elementary (Activity Room)23124 - 118 Avenue, Maple Ridge

REGISTRATION begins Feb 11, 2015on a first come, first on list basis.

LATE FRENCH IMMERSIONPARENT & STUDENT INFORMATION MEETING

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An innovative way of learning

CYBERSCHOOLStudents in theMaple Ridge - Pitt Meadows School DistrictCyberSchool Program divide their time between in-classstudy and online learning from home.

Join us for an information meeting on February 18th to learnabout this exciting learning option!

Registration begins8 am Monday, February 23, 2015

@ Alouette Elementary

INFORMATION MEETING6 pm February 18, 2015

Alouette Elementary School22155 Isaac Crescent, Maple Ridgehttp://schools.sd42.ca/cyberschool/

OpinionA6 Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Our View

Contributionsappreciated

Randy Kamp is setting his sails forthe sunset.

After four terms serving the localriding in Ottawa, the Member ofParliament for Pitt Meadows-MapleRidge-Mission is leaving federal pol-itics and won’t be accepting a localConservative nomination for the nextgeneral election.

There will be some in the communitywho will be happy to see him go.

We didn’t always see eye to eye withMr. Kamp. For instance, most recentlywe had hoped he could have done morefor the homeless in our community,particularly for the Iron Horse YouthSafe House whose funding cuts leavethat facility in jeopardy – especiallyin view of the healthy pension thatMr. Kamp will receive at the expenseof taxpayers when he steps down.While his government has made somestrides towards fixing the MPs’ pensioninequity, we still don’t see eye to eyewith him on that, either.

But that’s as it should be: it’s part ofour job to keep the community’s publicservants on their toes.

He made light of his personal healthproblems – while noting his severe lossof hearing wasn’t his primary motiva-tion – with his comment, “Some mightsay that I’m deaf in one ear and can’thear out of the other.” But that jok-ingly proffered adage hit the nail onthe head: it is the nature of politics thatevery time a politician does something– or doesn’t do something – somebodysomewhere gets angry.

To Mr. Kamp’s credit, there areplenty who have been deeply saddenedby his announcement. No one wins fourconsecutive federal elections withoutdoing something right. Over the years,he has worked hard for the communityhe has served at the federal level.

We wish Mr. Kamp well. His manycontributions to the community havebeen appreciated, as is his expressedintent to contribute further.

– B.G.

A bunch of guys trotted outonto a big field with lines paint-ed on it this weekend.

They were wearing brightcolours – about half of themwearing predominantly one col-our, and the other half wearingmostly another colour.

One guy kicked a ball.Somebody else caught it, and

a whole bunch of guys ran afterhim, knocked him down, andjumped on him.

Then they all got in two linesfacing each other, with a couple of guys behindeach line scuttling about like jitterbugs on apiece of hot tin.

One of the guys behind one of the lines keptlooking around like he was about to do some-thing bad but didn’t want anybody to see himdoing it.

He grabbed the ball away from the guy in frontof him and threw it, and another guy tried tocatch the ball, but other guys tried to get in theway of him catching it, and then jumped on him.

Then they all got back into two lines facingeach other, with the same jitterbug guys behindthem… and they did it all over again.

Sometimes, one of the jitterbugs caught theball, sometimes the ball was knocked down byone of the rude guys who kept trying to get inthe way.

Sometimes – not as often – one of the rudeguys actually reached up and snatched the ballfor himself.

And then everybody jumped on him instead.They all went through that rigmarole a few

times, and then, instead of having the sneaky-looking guy grab the ball from between the legsof the guy in the middle of the line in front ofhim and throw it at one of his jitterbugs, a differ-ent guy – not quite as sneaky-looking – came outto stand in his place.

This not-so-sneaky guy, whenever he cameout, would stand back a bit, and the guy who

kept getting the ball stolen frombetween his legs by the sneakyguy flipped the ball back – quitehappily giving it up, it seems –and the not-so-sneaky guy wouldcatch it and kick it as hard as hecould.

And someone else would catchit, and everybody would run afterhim and jump on him.

I should mention here, therewere always guys trying to jumpon the sneaky guy and the not-so-sneaky kicker any time they had

the ball in their hands.Come to think of it, there were all kinds of

guys all over the field who seemed always to betrying to bash whoever had the ball and steal itaway from him.

Football is a very rude game, I think.Nearly every time after the not-so-sneaky guy

kicked the ball, nearly everyone on the fieldwould trot off the field, and a whole new bunchof big, brick-like guys would trot on and line upfacing each other, with mostly a whole new setof jitterbugs and sneaky guys behind them.

And then the whole bunch of them would startmoving in the opposite direction – kind of likethe way six-year-olds play soccer, except thelarge amorphous blob formed by the soccer kidsmoves more smoothly, while these guys move injerky fits and starts.

Once in a while, when the blob got close toone end of the field or the other, the sneaky guy,instead of throwing the ball, would balance iton the end of his toe, and the not-so-sneaky guywould boot it as far as he could.

And then a guy in a stripy shirt would run outwith both hands high up in the air.

I think making that guy give up is how youscore the points.

Apparently, they call it Super Bowl.And hundreds of thousands of people – maybe

millions – eagerly watch it all happening.I wasn’t one of them.

Opinion

Odd Thoughtsby Bob Groeneveld

Super Bowl scores explained

Opinion

I read to my kids a lot.

My kids read to me.

We read occasionally.

We don’t read as much as we should.

We have better things to do.

This Week’s QuestionAre you looking forward to enjoying FamilyDay?

■ Your ViewLast week’s question, results…

How often does your family read together?

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Dear Editor,My husky and I walk at least three

times a day, rain or shine. Our firstwalk is usually between 6:30 and 7a.m. I always wear a bright reflectivesurveyor’s vest and my dog has on areflective, battery-operated blinkingcollar, and he is always on a leadbeside me.

We had the signal to cross south overDewdney Trunk Road at 240th Street.

As we were in the middle of the cross-walk a lady turned left, west onto Dewdney.She did not see us until I yelled at her. Shehammered her brakes, coming to a stop notthree feet from us.

If she had not stopped, we would havebeen all over the road.

After she stopped, she went around usand sped west on Dewdney – no apology.

As careful as I am when we walk, this

is now the third time this has hap-pened to me since we set the clocksback in November.

I would like to remind drivers totake greater care when it is darkoutside. There are people such asmyself walking pets, heading to busstops, going into businesses, all on

foot. Please pay attention when driving inthe dark. If you are late for wherever youare going, try leaving five minutes earlier.

Three close calls is three too many!Klaus Kahle, Maple Ridge

Traffic safety

Dark roads require extra attention

• Poop bags are being pulled from localdog parks at a cost saving of $27,000,but TIMES readers have strong opinions.

“It’s hard to believe it cost $27,000 a year tosupply four parks with bags! I can see dogparks in the area getting a lot dirtier now,even with bags available a lot of peopledon’t pick up, it’s only going to get worse.”

– Morgan Bodner

“Everyone just considers the cost of the bags,but forgets the staffing costs to maintainthe program: $27,000 adds up real quick.Besides, this program seems like a courtesyanyway. We should all be responsible dogowners the second we leave the house, andquit relying on others to make up for ourlack of planning.” – Ryan Larocque

“To my knowledge, other cites in the LowerMainland get free bags because people payto advertise on them, costing the City zerodollars.” – Mikey Keogh

“Just over 1,000 licensed, spayed or neu-tered, dogs in Maple Ridge would pay forthe bags (the fee is $25. More if the dog isnon-altered). I’m sure there are many moredogs than 1,000 in Maple Ridge. I guess therevenue from dog licence fees also goes tothe SPCA. What else? It may seem like a lotof money, but I’m happy to pay for the $25 ifI get the ‘free’ bags at parks.” – Jackie Chow

“When I sat at parks and recreation table Ibrought up dog bag sponsorship which atalmost every government conference tradeshow there is a company promoting this.Why this wasn’t discussed before making thisdecision really bothers me.”

– Councillor Corisa Bell

“That’s sad. I see so many owners with thembut what if they forgot and want to do theright thing and pick it up? Be nice to havethe bag available.” – Chrissy Bynuck

“Yes and no. If you own a dog, it’s part ofyour responsibility to have the items neces-sary for cleaning up. But although there aretimes where people don’t realize they arecompletely out or forgot.” – Janessa Munz

“Re-use grocery vegetable bags for dogpoop. I have enough for two dogs at anytime, and it doesn’t cost me a dime.”

– Valerie Miller

“Owners’ responsibility – can’t tell you howmany times I’ve seen irresponsible owners.Dogs poop; owners should have bags intheir pocket. Bottom line”– Teri Klohn James

What you’re telling uson Facebook

Share your views.Like us on Facebook at:

www.facebook.com/MapleRidgePittMeadowsTimes

LettersLetterstothe

Editor

Parks

Pick up landminesDear Editor,

Growing up, one of my favourite places tohang out was Maple Ridge Park. After mov-ing away and starting a family of my own, Istill have fond memories of the park.

Recently, I was able to return and thoughtit would be a nice area to enjoy with myyoung daughter: playing on the swings,skipping rocks into the river, sitting at thepicnic tables, and having a snack.

But I was disappointed by the amount ofdog excrement around the park. As soon asmy daughter stepped onto the grass fromthe parking lot, she hit a land mine, andagain while walking both to and from theriver to the playground.

Dog owners are required to pick up aftertheir pets. It takes two seconds to tie abaggy around a leash. I understand youcan’t toilet train a dog, but if you don’tlike to step in land mines, what makes youthink anyone else does?

Nicole Bedford, Maple Ridge

Pitt Meadows

Win-win situation lostDear Editor,

Thanks to TIMES reporter Eric Zimmer forproviding a balanced report about the PittMeadows council coming in at their goal ofa zero per cent tax increase for 2015.

The truth, which The TIMES reportedbut others did not, is that the 2015 budgetcould have come in at a mere 0.7 per centincrease, or about $13 per household, andstill maintained the Pitt Meadows EconomicDevelopment Board. To me, that wouldhave been a true win-win situation.

The proposed tax increase dropped from2.85 per cent (in October estimates) to 0.7per cent was largely due to higher thanexpected growth, perhaps due in part to thesupport, strategy, and work of the PMEDB.

Pitt Meadows was also a member ofInvest North Fraser, and our seat at thattable may well come into question, nowthat Pitt Meadows has no board. 2015 willbe interesting as somehow the mayor has tofind the time and energy to run the City, bechair of the economic development for PittMeadows, and run two law practices.

Keep up the good, balanced reporting.Patricia Gordon, Pitt Meadows

Parks

Parks needed to shareDear Editor,

What happened to local neighbourhoodparks for everyone to share? There shouldbe local parks for everyone to enjoy.

A local park was cut in half almost threeyears ago and turned into a baseball park.But the space has been locked off and hasnot been used – not even for baseball.

Land space is getting tighter, but peoplestill need to be able to enjoy the outdoors.

Francine Bearpark, Maple Ridge

MMAAPPLLEE RRIIDDGGEEFFEESSTTIIVVAALL OOFF LLIIGGHHTT SSOOCCIIEETTYY

Invites everyone tothe 7th annual Festival of Light.Join us to celebrate the Arts, Culture and

Diversity in our community.

Friday, February 27, 20154:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.Haney Place Mall

A FREE fun event for all ages with lantern making workshops& live entertainment (4 – 8 pm),

poetry & lantern making contest and much more!

7:30 pm Lantern ParadeFor information – contact [email protected]

or: mrlanternfestival


pittmeadows.bc.cafacebook.com/pittmeadows

@citypittmeadows604.465.5454

Council in Committee• Feb 10, 6pmRegular Council Meetings• Feb 3, 7pm• Feb 17, 7pm

Special Council Meeting• Feb 24, 3pmWatch Regular Council Meetings live online!Visit our website at pittmeadows.bc.ca andclick on Council MeetingVideos under theQuick Links sidebar.

TransportationCommunityBuilding &Engagement

Governance& Policy

Transportation Referendum.You may have heard about the upcomingreferendum that will be put to residentsin MetroVancouver asking about adding0.5% to the provincial sales tax toraise revenue for transit improvementsthroughout the region. Find out moreabout the plans and what it means for PittMeadows by visiting pittmeadows.bc.ca ormovinginalivableregion.ca.

Public Works &Safety

Bullying is a major problem in our schools,workplaces, homes, and over the Internet. Butthanks to two students from Nova Scotia whonoticed a fellow student being bullied for wearinga pink shirt, Pink Shirt Day has now become anationwide acknowledgement of taking a standagainst bullying.Wear your pink shirt on Feb 25,and learn more at pinkshirtday.ca.

Council This Month

Clean Wood Disposal Ban.On January 1, 2015, Metro Vancouver launched asix-month education program on the new CleanWood Disposal Ban at Metro Vancouver andCity of Vancouver transfer stations and disposalfacilities. Come July 1, 2015, a 50% surcharge willbe applied to loads of garbage containing morethan 10% clean wood.

Visit metrovancouver.org for more informationon the new Clean Wood Disposal Ban or call theRecycling Hotline at 604-REC-YCLE.

What’sOn

February 2015

Go GreenFood is Not Garbage.MetroVancouver has imposed aban on food waste in the garbage.In Pitt Meadows, we have curbsidepickup for food and green waste,so continue using your green cart!Businesses and restaurants looking for resources on food waste canfind more information at metrovancouver.org.

City Achieves 0% Tax Increase for 2015 Property TaxesOn January 21 and 22, City Council reviewed thebudget set forth by City staff to finalize the projectsfor 2015 and the tax rate that will be applied toproperty taxes. After budget deliberations, CityCouncil achieved a zero property tax increase anda zero utility fee increase for the average assessedsingle family home in 2015.Learn more about property taxes in Pitt Meadows!Residents are invited to attend a workshop ontaxation on February 19 at Heritage Hall, beginning at7pm. The presentation will be available afterward onthe City’s website at pittmeadows.bc.ca.

Council has released a list of items they would like to review during their upcoming term. The“Council Four Year Action Table” consists of over 80 items, including a broad range of topicsfrom traffic calming to youth engagement. No decisions have been made about items on the listand whether they will be acted upon.The list can be viewed in the January 13 Council MeetingAgenda at pittmeadows.bc.ca. Council will be working on strategic planning and priority setting inFebruary and March.

Join the Citizens’ Committee onOpen Government. The Committeewill make recommendations to Council onpossible ways to improve citizen interactionswith City Departments and Council. Committeemeetings will begin in February and be held on twoThursdays each month for three months from 7pmto 9pm. The size of the Committee is unlimited,and participation is open to all in Pitt Meadows.Please email [email protected] orcall 604-465-5454 with your name, contactinformation, and a brief statement explaining why youare interested in joining the Committee.

Main Streets: Harris Road – Feb 28:February is Heritage Month and this years’ theme is “MainStreets”. Our main street, Harris Road, has changed a lot overthe last 100 years. Learn more about the survival of historicsites on our main street through their evolution. Join us at1:30pm at the Library. For info call 604-465-4113.

Pitt Meadows ElementaryWinter CarnivalFriday, February 20 from 5pm to 8pm. Help support theschool’s fundraising efforts at this fun family evening!Call 604-465-5828 for details.

Pink ShirtDay

Feb 25.


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&facesplaces

Fay Owen of

Maple Ridgecheered onthe SeattleSeahawks

with many of

her friends

at the legionon Sundayafternoon.

Elizabeth Coughlia and Asha Dutt, both of MapleRidge , enjoyed the Super Bowl game whileselling tickets on a meat draw Sunday at theRoyal Canadian Legion.

Post events 10 days in advanceby email to:

[email protected]

What’s Onwww.mrtimes.com

Feb 3: Poets• Holy Wow Poets host the Poetsand Artist’s Extravaganza at 7p.m. at The ACT: Theme: Let’s beLiterally Keen to be Artistically Seenin 2015.

Feb 3: Youth Services• Join a citizens services specialistfrom Service Canada to discover themany federal programs available foryouth, ages 15 to 30. Hear aboutthe federal student work experienceprogram, Canada Student loans andgrants, apprenticeship incentive,and completion grants, and the newCanada apprenticeship loan, start-ing at 6 p.m. at the Pitt MeadowsLibrary.

Feb 3: Arts Club• The next meeting for the GaribaldiArt Club is Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 7p.m. in the craft room on the thirdfloor of The ACT.

Feb 4: History• Maple Ridge Family History Groupmeets at the Maple Ridge Library, inthe Greenside room at 7 p.m.

Feb 5: Seniors - CORRECTION• Ridge Meadows Senior Societyholds a Seniors Helping Seniorsmeeting at 9:30 a.m. in the libraryat Ridge Meadows Senior ActivityCentre, 12150, 224th St.

Feb 4: Diecast• Greater Vancouver Diecast showtakes place at Pitt Meadows HeritageHall, 12460 Harris Road. Admission:$4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., $10early-bird at 9 a.m., and $6 at 9:30a.m. Kids 12 and under admittedfree. 25 vendor tables full of diecastcars and trucks.

Feb 8: Memorial• A memorial tribute and musicalcelebration of life for JudithBergthorson takes place at The ACTfrom 4 to 8 p.m. Open to anyonewho knew Judith or is involvedwith the Bergthorson Academy.Memorial will feature singers,instructors, students, and artistsfrom the academy.

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

Royal Canadian Legion executivemember Margaret Kury (left) ofMaple Ridge joined dozens offootball fans who gathered towatch the Super Bowl Sunday.

Randi Overallof Surrey

showed off hisNew England

Patriots capthat he could

not wear in theRoyal Canadian

Legion duringthe game

Sunday. Buthe proudly satit next to him

while watchingthe action

unfold on thetelevision.

Tom McKillip and Brent Knudsen of Maple Ridge

were among a group of musicians who get together

every year for the Super Bowl. This year, they came

together at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 88.

Wearing her New England Patriots’ jersey Sunday, Maple Ridge’s DawnCampos, joined Erin Gouwenberg of Aldergrove and Jocelnn Marud of

Vancouver at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 88 to watch the SuperBowl. The Patriots beat the Seattle Seahawks 28-24.

• Photos by Rick Moyer •

www.m

rtim

es.com

MorePhotosOnline

WE PAY CASHfor Used Cars Call 604.343.2036


Elementary schoolstudents in PittMeadows tried outmusical instrumentsfrom around the globethis past Thursday.by Troy [email protected]

A man dubbed a “world-music dynamo” gaveHighland Park Elementarystudents a sampling ofsounds from around theglobe this past Thursday,Jan. 29.

Boris Sichon intro-duced students and staffto musical instrumentsthat are foreign to many,culminating with an after-noon concert in front ofan assembly of studentsand staffin the PittMeadowsschool’sgymnasium.

TheInstrumentsof the Worldinteractiveworkshopsand concertwere madepossiblethrough agrant from the HamberFoundation to the MapleRidge-Pitt Meadows ArtsCouncil, which enabledthe group to develop theproject with Sichon forCanada Culture Day inSeptember, and an ArtsProD Day that had to becancelled.

In the morning, MapleRidge-Pitt Meadows ArtsCouncil technical directorAlex House led studentsthrough an interactiveclass in which they chosea photo of an instrument

off a corkboard, and thenhad to guess where it ori-ginated from, by pressinga letter on a keyboard andwatching the instrumentappear on screen.

“All these instrumentsare owned by Boris, he’scollected them over theyears from all sorts ofcountries,” House said.“We were really lookingfor a way to easily explorethe kids’… finding outwhere they are from, andthat music is more than

just their neighbourhood.”Sichon, who lives in

Mission, owns a uniquecollection of ethnic music-al instruments that hehas compiled from yearsof travelling around theworld.

His collection now com-prises of more than 250rare and unique musicalinstruments. Just a few ofthe instruments he broughtwith him to Highland Parkwere a xylophone fromEastern Europe, a didger-

idoo (wind instrument)from Australia, a FirstNations flute and drum.

Sichon enjoys conduct-ing his workshops andconcerts at schools such asHighland Park Elementary.

“I’ve been doing thisfor the last 10 years indifferent areas of BritishColumbia, Alberta,Saskatchewan, andOntario,” Sichon said, ashe organized his instru-ments prior to playing aone-man concert in frontof the assembly of stu-dents. “There’s incredibleenergy.”

Born and raised inthe Ukraine, Sichon lefthis hometown for St.Petersburg to continue hismusical education in theAcademy of Music.

During his studies, hestarted working in theSt. Petersburg SymphonyOrchestra, where heworked with well knownRussian conductors suchas Yevgeny Mravinsky,Shostakovich, Badchan,Karapetian, and manyothers.

When he came toCanada in 2004, Sichonbegan performing rightaway, leading work-shops and participat-ing in festivals suchas the Vancouver FolkFest, Comox Music Fest,Vancouver Island FolkFest, and Edmonton FolkFest.

As well, he has playedsolos with the likes ofYungchen Lhamo, JerryDouglas, Pavlo, UzumeTaiko, and others, andwrote music for theatre(he was nominated by TheJESSIES for OutstandingSound Design/OriginalComposition in smallTheatre Category withHelen’s Necklace, PiTheatre).


Boris Sichon and students from Highland ParkElementary opened a concert in the school’sgymnasium with high energy drumming. Meanwhile,Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Arts Council technicaldirector Alex House (inset) stood next to a corkboarddisplaying just some of the global instruments in BorisSichon’s collection.


Musician Boris Sichon played a variety of unique musical instruments from around the world during a one-man concert at Pitt Meadows’ Highland ParkElementary on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 29.

Music education

Global sounds explored in Pitt

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The chamber members believe thatvoting yes on a 0.5 per cent bumpto the PST is the most logical play.by Troy [email protected]

With the transit tax refer-endum fast approaching, theMaple Ridge and Pitt MeadowsChamber of Commerce is back-ing the “yes” side.

A provincial sales tax hike inMetro Vancouver, imposed byTransLink to pay for transporta-tion improvements, would raisethe PST from seven per cent to7.5 per cent within the region.

Metro Vancouver residentswill decide if the tax hike is a go whenthey vote through a mail-in referendumnext month.

The tax increase would go towards partof the $8-billion pricetag attached to a 10-year transit plan. Among improvementsoutlined in the plan, Maple Ridge wouldget a B-Line bus to connect the City to theEvergreen SkyTrain line in Coquitlam.

If passed, an expected $250 million ayear will be raised to fund a $7.5-billionexpansion of the region’s transportationinfrastructure, which would also includea new Pattullo Bridge, light rail in Surrey,and a subway in Vancouver.

To explain their choice to support theBetter Transit Transportation Coalition(BTTC) for the referendum, the chamberis hosting a luncheon this Thursday, Feb.5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m at the PittMeadows Golf Club, 13615 Harris Road.

The luncheon – Congestion CostsBusiness, Why a Yes Vote Makes Sense –

includes two guest speakers: John Winter,the president, CEO, and director of the BCChamber of Commerce, as well as PortCoquitlam Mayor Greg Moore – who isthe Metro Vancouver board chair.

The referendum will be conducted by amail-in-ballot asking voters toeither say “yes” or “no” to a 0.5-per-cent Metro Vancouver con-gestion improvement tax. Thistax would apply to the majorityof goods and services subject tothe PST, that are sold or deliv-ered within the region.

Andrea Madden, the localchamber’s executive direc-tor, said the chamber wasapproached to join the BetterTransit and TransportationCoalition late last year.

The chamber’s main concernwas the implications of a 0.05-per-cent taxincrease on local businesses, she said.

“However, with careful deliberation, thechamber board of directors recognizedthat of all of the options considered by theMayors’ council, this was the fairest andwould have the least economic impact onbusinesses and families,” Madden said.

She added that the chamber also recog-nized the importance of a forward-think-ing mindset, and that this issue “hasgreater implications to the way we dobusiness in the Lower Mainland.”

“Simply put, congestion costs businessesmoney and negatively effects the local andregional economy,” she said.

Tickets to the luncheon can be bookedonline through the chamber’s web page(ridgemeadowschamber.com) and click-ing on the “Events” tab or by calling thechamber at 604-457-4599 between 9 a.m,and 5 p.m.

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

Transit referendum

Luncheon lays out ‘yes’ vote

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INVITATIONTO PARTICIPATE ONTHE CITIZEN’S COMMITTEE ON

OPEN GOVERNMENT

Citizens’ Committee on Open Government

Are you interested in exploring ways Council and City Hall can be moreresponsive and transparent to the residents of Pitt Meadows?

A select committee has been approved to make recommendations to Councilon possible ways to improve citizen interactions with City Departments andCouncil.The process may include a review of applicable laws and policies andexamples from other jurisdictions, but any and all ideas from our citizens areinvited.

The Committee will be led by a facilitator and meetings will begin in Februaryand be held on two Thursdays each month for three months from 7pm to9pm.The resulting recommendations from the Committee will be included inan independent report prepared by the facilitator for Council’s considerationin May 2015.

The size of the Committee is unlimited, and participation is open to allresidents, business owners, stakeholders or volunteers in Pitt Meadows.

Please email [email protected] or call 604-465-5454 with yourname, contact information, and a brief statement explaining why you areinterested in joining the Committee.

Mayor John Becker on behalf of Council

12007 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows • 604.465.5454 • pittmeadows.bc.ca


by Cole [email protected]

February has hit, andValentine’s Day is rightaround the corner. Lovefills the air and couplesseem to appear out of thinair – as if arranged bysome higher power.

Coupling for love worksin mysterious ways. Butcoupling of artists andpoets? Well, that’s thework of Helene Lavasseur,founder of Holy WowPoets and creator ofthe Poets’ and Artists’Extravaganza night at TheACT in Maple Ridge.

Tonight (Feb. 3) from 7to 9 p.m., more than 20artists will fill the lobby inThe ACT with their originalworks – each inspired bya different poem that wassupplied by Lavasseur.

Word went out to localartists in December, andthey had two months towork with an assignedpoem.

“If an artist calledme and wanted to getinvolved, I would pull apoem from a hat, withmy eyes closed, and emailit to them,” explainedLavasseur. Consequently,before tonight’s event,none of the paired-up art-ists and poets have evermet face-to-face.

This event is the brain-

child of Lavasseur, whostarted Holy Wow Poetsfour years ago. Sheapproached the MapleRidge – Pitt Meadows ArtsCouncil with this idea lastNovember.

“I drew inspiration fromwork that was being donein New Westminister,” shesaid. “The concept is calledvisual verse.”

For Dudley Christian,formerly the host of a tele-vision program Pause forPoetry, the event is “quitea remarkable feat.”

“I know in my mindexactly what image I wouldassociate with the poem Isubmitted,” Christian said.“But I don’t know anythingabout the artist.”

While the Maple Ridgepoetry scene is stilldeveloping according

to Christian, events likethe Poets’ and Artists’Extravaganza could helpto boost the profile of localpoets and artists alike.

After a live reading ofeach poem, the artworkwill be displayed for theevening and available forpurchase from The ACT, orfrom the artists themselves.

If the event is success-ful, Lavasseur wants it tobecome an annual event.

Christian, on the otherhand, is simply grateful fora place to exhibit his work.

“We poets, we can’t notwrite – that would be likesaying ‘Don’t breathe,’” hesaid.

For more informationabout the Poets’ andArtists’ Extravaganza, visit

www.theactmapleridge.org.

The ACT

Poets and artists coupled for show

Helene Lavasseur (left), founder of Holy Wow poets and the Poetry andArtists Extravaganza, and artist Valerie Baron McRae posed with one ofMcRae’s works. Both women have one of their creations in Tuesday’s show.

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On Deck

Send your scoresand game reports [email protected]

Girls take topThe Maple Ridge Secondary

Ramblers senior girls basketballteam extended their winningstreak to 11 games, and tooktop spot when they won theSouthridge tournament thispast weekend. The team beatLittle Flower Academy, and thendefeated Rick Hansen Secondaryin the semifinal After a slow startin the final game, the team ralliedto come back with a 55-35 winover last year’s provincial champs,Windsor of North Vancouver. JaneGrisley was selected as the tour-nament MVP and Kate Head wasa first team all-star.• More online: www.mrtimes.com,

click on “Sports”

Tourney at PittThe Grade 8 Pitt Meadows

Marauders host a tournamentat Pitt Meadows Secondary thisweekend. The two-day tourna-ment runs Feb. 6 and 7.• More online: www.mrtimes.com,


Player chosenMaple Ridge softball player

Larissa Franklin was chosen to bepart of the Pan Am Games team,as well as being tapped onceagain to play for Team Canada’ssenior softball team later thissummer.• More online: www.mrtimes.com,


SportsMaple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times Tuesday, February 3, 2015 A13

Recreation

A3 takes bannerRidge Meadows Minor Hockey

A3 bantam team won the leaguebanner for Flight 6 this pastweekend.• More online: www.mrtimes.com,


TIMES files

After a loss on the weekend, theMoose are in action this Saturday.

Moose loseThe Meadow Ridge Moose

female hockey team suffered aloss at home on Saturday night,when they fell by a score of 4-1against South Fraser TNT. Theteam’s next game takes placethis Saturday at the Pitt MeadowsArena. The puck drops at 8:30p.m.• More online: www.mrtimes.com,


The Ridge Meadows Flamesduked it out against theGrandview Steelers on Fridaynight at Planet Ice. The Flamestook the game by a score of3-2. Just three games remain inthe Flames’ season, and the nextmatch-up takes place this Fridayin Abbotsford.

Rick Moyer/TIMES

The local Junior B hockeysquad rallied at home onFriday night.d

by Eric [email protected]

This past weekend brought amixed bag of results for the RidgeMeadows Flames.

On Thursday evening, theFlames travelled to Richmond toface off against the Sockeyes.

The game looked to be in theFlames’ favour as the team pulledahead with a 3-1 lead.

Goals from Jordan Rendle,Halen Cordoni, and Dale Howellput the Flames out in front, but awin was not to be.

In the final 20 minutes of the

game, the Sockeyes led the chargeand ultimately bounced back towin the game 5-3.

“We’ve played Richmond reallywell all year,” said Flames headcoach Jaime Fiset.

“We got off to the start we werehoping for, but we got into a littlebit of penalty trouble, and wewere playing without some prettykey players that night,” he added.

On Friday, looking to make upfor the loss, the Flames returnedhome to Planet Ice, wherethey blazed to victory over theGrandview Steelers.

Flames goalie Kurt Klimek made39 saves to help lead his team to a3-2 win over the visiting Steelers.

A pair of goals from DaleHowell, and a single from HalenCordoni put the game away.

“The Steelers are one of the

hottest teams in the league rightnow,” Fiset commented. “Theycame off a loss against Aldergroveon Wednesday, so we knewthey’d be tough opponents.”

It was a good back-and-forth-game, the coach said.

“Our goalie played really well,and we got some timely goalsfrom some key players as well.”

The win is encouraging, andthough three games still remainin the regular season, the Flameshave been eliminated from a play-off spot for this year.

“We got that win in Port Moodylast week, but then Mission alsowon, so we’re officially out,” Fisetexplained.

“It’s a season that started offwith a lot of promise, but we bat-tled with consistency throughoutthe year and that was really the

one thing we never got a handleon,” said Fiset. “We’d get a bigwin one night, then lose the nextcouple; we just never really gotinto that rhythm.”

The team’s defence is playingwell right now, however, “andthat helps when you’ve got thatstability on the back end.”

The team is by no means throw-ing in the towel on the season yetthough.

“We’ve picked up points in fiveour last six games, and that showsthat our guys still care,” Fisetremarked.

Despite the less than stellar sea-son, Fiset noted he’s been happywith the attendance numbers atthe team’s home games.

“We’ve had really good crowdsand it’s nice to get that fan sup-port,” he said.

Junior B hockey

One loss, one win for Flames

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