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| 2016-08-26T20:50:52 | null | null | A local teacher joked about Tasering students. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fnews%2F391429941.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/12390mapleridgetimes00MRbreakingnews.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows teacher reprimanded for “jokes” | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Matthew Claxton
Special to The TIMES
A Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows teacher has been reprimanded for a series of inappropriate “jokes” with students over the course of several years.
A consent agreement with Michael Sedlak was reached and released by the British Columbia Commission for Teacher Regulation.
Sedlak had a number of attempts to be funny that were found unprofessional by the school district.
• Telling students that one student’s father had attempted to run him over with a car
• Commenting about the same student’s smell
• Using a middle finger to scratch his nose or push up his glasses while looking directly at particular students, in response to a “smart remark”
• Saying “I wish I had my Taser” when irritated or annoyed with students
• Bringing a flyswatter to class and holding it up “in a way that made some students uncomfortable.”
All the incidents took place between 2011 and 2015 at various times.
Sedlak has already been suspended one day without pay and twice been sent to counselling by the school district.
He has now agreed to accept a reprimand from the Commission for Teacher Regulation.
– Matthew Claxton is a Black Press reporter | http://www.mrtimes.com/news/391429941.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/e1b87933fc372057b9bfd047fafeea2f054f432d02176f41d6ea31031f2575cc.json |
[
"Canadian Press"
]
| 2016-08-28T22:51:24 | null | null | Talks continue, with rotating overtime ban set to begin Monday if no agreement by midnight Sunday | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fnews%2F391545211.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/68221BCLN200782072cranbrookdailyCPweb.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Postal workers union give details of job action if no deal is reached Sunday | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | OTTAWA – Contract talks continue between Canada Post and its largest union, but neither side is hinting as to whether any progress has been made.
A federally appointed mediator has been meeting with the two sides since Friday to try to reach a deal.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers says if there is no deal by midnight, it would begin job action on Monday by having its members refusing to work overtime on a rotating basis, starting in Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
CUPW served 72 hour strike notice Thursday night, accusing Canada Post of forcing a labour disruption by refusing to bargain in good faith.
The two sides have been deadlocked for months on the issues of pay scales for rural letter carriers and proposed changes to pensions for future employees.
A CUPW news release says the initial job action will cause little disruption to Canada Post customers and that its members will still be delivering mail every day.
The Canadian Press | http://www.mrtimes.com/news/391545211.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/5def3d3cbf97797bbfa1e8f6a766299fcd38de634a1786380619a3b567ea772f.json |
[
"Ashley Wadhwani"
]
| 2016-08-31T00:52:01 | null | null | The announcement follows a two-week long fire ban across the coastal region of B.C. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fnews%2F391808531.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/18723mapleridgetimes2017.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Campfire ban ends in Golden Ears Provincial Park | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Camper Erin Riendl roasted a marshmallow at Golden Ears Provincial Park prior to the recent campfire ban, which has now been lifted.
It's safe to once again grab those marshmallows and hotdogs – the fire ban has been lifted in Golden Ears and Rolley Lake provincial parks.
The announcement follows a two-week long fire ban across the coastal region of B.C.
The Lower Mainland and the northern two-thirds of Vancouver Island received rain over the weekend, and much of it fell in areas where the campfire ban is being lifted. More rain is in the forecast, so members of the public are encouraged to visit: www.bcwildfire.ca to get the latest information about open fire prohibitions in their area.
The existing Category 2 and Category 3 open burning prohibitions within the Coastal Fire Centre remain in place. Category 2 open fires are not permitted within the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdictional area.
Category 3 open fires are only permitted within Haida Gwaii.
A map showing all current prohibitions in the affected areas is available at: http://ow.ly/ns2Y303Hppw
A poster explaining the different categories of open fires is available at: http://ow.ly/jdO5301kS32 | http://www.mrtimes.com/news/391808531.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/bbd3c2c40f9913dc2443a0e494bb04c7dfce1f73474e0053e0a6bd1fa27aac9f.json |
[
"Ashley Wadhwani"
]
| 2016-08-26T13:13:26 | null | null | Maple Ridge-raised wheelchair athlete Tristan Smyth is training, in preparation for the upcoming Paralympic Games in Rio. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fsports%2F390227341.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/93268mapleridgetimesIMG_2068.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Maple Ridge-raised athlete heads to Rio | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Maple Ridge-raised wheelchair athlete Tristan Smyth is training, in preparation for the upcoming Paralympic Games in Rio.
Maple Ridge-raised wheelchair athlete Tristan Smyth is training away in Lake Country, in preparation for the upcoming Paralympic Games in Rio.
Smyth, 29, is one of 24 track-and-field athletes nominated to represent Canada at the Games in September.
He’ll be competing in the 1500 metre and 4x400 metre relay.
Smyth graduated from Maple Ridge Secondary. In 2011, he broke his back in a skateboarding accident, becoming an “incomplete paraplegic,” with some mobility.
Between then and now, Smyth told The TIMES he''s not quite sure when he realized Paralympian goals were in his reach.
"I don't quite know when," he said. "But it happened, it’s something I want, and moreover beyond that there’s a part of me that wants to become the best in world at what I do someday."
He noted "becoming a Paralympian is just a part" of that goal.
"What I like about the Paralympian part is that it becomes more than just your personal aspirations, its a chance to represent your country and be a part of that team," he continued.
So far, achievements for Smyth include becoming the first British Columbian to post three gold medals at the Western Canada Summer Games, which he won only eight months after his accident.
In the past, Smyth has also competed in the Canada Summer Games, winning gold in the 1,500 metre and silver in the 400 metre.
Off the track, he’s a three-time champion of the Vancouver Sun Run wheelchair division – this year finishing with a time of 24 minutes and seven seconds.
But the most memorable highlight for Smyth came last year, when he made the Pan American and World Championship Teams, which he described a "a pretty big deal."
And this year, as part of the Canadian men’s 4x400m relay team, Smyth and teammates established a new Canadian record at a meet in Quebec.
Lately, he said, training has included balancing "resting, eating, timing of food, before and after training, timing of sleep – it’s all part of the plan."
Described as a full time job, without the pay, Smyth has also been faced with challenges.
"This year, realizing how important mental health is was a huge one," he said, adding financial support "is always a big one too."
The costs of training and eating well add up, not to mention the specialized equipment, he continued.
"With how small the race scene is here in Canada, developing that experience to race with the best in the world requires a lot of travel, [straying] in the country to be able to train with my team mates, and [travelling] out of the country to race," he explained.
Looking ahead to September in Rio, Smyth hopes to "be in a position to do my best and remember to have fun."
Maple Ridge will also be represented in Rio by local swimmer Nathan Stein.
Stein is one of 22 athletes nominated for a spot on Team Canada.
Stein has a bone deficiency in one knee, a condition called osteochondritis dissecans, and he underwent several operations on the knee since he first broke it while playing football at age 11.
Locally, Stein was a Home Town Hero winner in 2011, lauded for his efforts at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London where he won silver in the 50-metre freestyle event.
Since the London Games, Stein performed impressively during last year’s Parapan American Games in Toronto, bringing home silver in the 100-metre butterfly and 4x100-metre freestyle relay, and earning two bronze medals in the 50-metre and 100-metre freestyle.
More recently, he holds the Canadian records in the 50-metre and 100-metre freestyle and butterfly.
Both athletes will competing in Rio from Sept. 8 to 18.
Check back with The TIMES for results post-competition. | http://www.mrtimes.com/sports/390227341.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/1abe55a7789c7345b31c23e205ba111a566536715c00b8e2292eeebfb943e135.json |
[
"Eric Zimmer"
]
| 2016-08-26T13:03:47 | null | null | Do you have a local business tip to share? Send it to Eric at: [email protected] | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fbusiness%2F389813531.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/46338mapleridgetimesextrafoods1C.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Down to Business: Extra Foods changeover to No Frills starts with closure | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | The Extra Foods on Dewdney Trunk Road closes this Saturday, as the changeover to a No Frills begins.
If you’re a customer of the Extra Foods in downtown Maple Ridge on Dewdney Trunk Road, you might want to get in there in the next couple of days.
A while back, I mentioned that the store would be turned into a No Frills (another subsidiary of Loblaws,) and now that process has begun.
The store closes this Saturday, Aug. 13, to begin the renovation and switch.
“Our hope is to have the store renovated and opened to serve residents as a No Frills store, before the end of 2016,” said Loblaws spokesperson Tammy Smitham.
Hyundai helps
A total of $10,000 was raised for the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation, during the second Operation 100 event. During the 30-day event, the dealership donated $100 per vehicle sold to the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation.
DQ dollars
Today is a sweet day if you’re a Dairy Queen fan.
It’s the 14th annual Miracle Treat Day.
This means that today, net proceeds from every Blizzard sold will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network member hospitals across Canada.
Tasty tunes
Don’t forget that you’re invited to a free lunchtime concert, every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this month.
The concerts take place at Memorial Peace Park.
This year’s lineup includes musicians such as Peter Tam, Caden Knudson, and more. | http://www.mrtimes.com/business/389813531.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/0aae3b09c81d7d7fd5c3a3fd4f95cca3061fab99112aa5d0af9d46c48e8b7f2b.json |
[]
| 2016-08-26T13:11:41 | null | null | Steve Fekete took offence to TIMES' columnist Bob Groeneveld's musing about Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fopinion%2F391340491.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/60276mapleridgetimesMRPMarteditletters.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | LETTER: Trump comparison bugs reader | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | If you have an opinion and want to share those views in a letter to the editor, you are more than welcome. Please email, with your name, address, and phone number to [email protected]
Dear Editor,
I started to read with special interest Mr. Bob Groenveld’s article because….well, I admit that based on his previous articles I am biased against his extreme ideological leftist views which eventually lead him from any topic he is with to politics and bashing the sides he must hate.
What do spiders and apple maggots have to do with Donald Trump, you may ask? [O, what a tangled web, Odd Thoughts, Aug. 18 The TIMES].
I would not have been able to answer that question but, just ask columnist Bob Groeneveld, he is very resourceful and he will figure it out for you.
I admire his ability to come up with the parallel between the above two subjects by comparing his fear of spiders by stating, “…and my irrational fear is no excuse to behave like an American under Donald Trump’s spell.”
Wow, that is a real jump.
I happen to support Mr. Trump, although I may not agree with every personal attack or little irrelevant statement he made but in my estimation any directional policy statement (the big ones which count) he made makes sense to me. But, that is just me, I try to look at things rationally not emotionally, which may not be the case for Mr. Groeneveld.
I can only give one advice to Mr. Groeneveld whether he will take it or not: do not use this kind of non-relevant, non-logical, overly exaggerating associations because he just might lose credibility.
The readers are smart and can figure it out for themselves that this type of extreme ideology does not always fit with any situation. This situation was one of them.
Steve Fekete, Maple Ridge | http://www.mrtimes.com/opinion/391340491.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/60a6e0df19c1c0405dcfdff7381b8577b9a648b71be9a9fc7f06fcbf2da4d980.json |
[
"Bob Groeneveld"
]
| 2016-08-26T13:10:59 | null | null | Retired TIMES editor Bob Groeneveld shares his thoughts. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fopinion%2F391327281.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/68386mapleridgetimesMRPMarteditbob.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | ODD THOUGHTS: Art lesson hammered home | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Retired TIMES editor Bob Groeneveld shares thoughts – odd and not – with readers in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
Close your eyes for a moment and think of an artist at work.
What do you see?
Chances are you pictured Da Vinci capturing Mona Lisa, or Rembraandt sketching the start of his Night Watch.
Perhaps your tastes run more to Picasso or Dali.
Or your mind’s eye may have focused on your youngster’s Grade 2 project stuck to the fridge door for the past seven years.
If you’re a bit out of the ordinary, you may have zeroed in on Michelangelo releasing the contents of a block of marble.
Did you envision Beethoven banging away at his harpsichord with one hand, quill pen in the other?
If you didn’t automatically identify with a favourite novel, at least you probably don’t have any difficulty recognizing that writing can be art, given the right pen – or typewriter – guided by the right hand.
I’ll bet your first thought wasn’t a guy in a ball cap and suspenders sitting on a backhoe.
It’s not what comes to your mind’s eye, I’ll warrant. But in real life…
The way some of those guys make those machines move is nothing, if not art.
There are some renovations going on next door, and I found myself mesmerized by a fellow pounding away on a thick slab of concrete with a jackhammer attached to the front of his tractor.
Just inches from the front door of the house, the giant steel chisel etched and crumbled the slab as cleanly as Michelangelo discovering a lock of David’s hair.
It brought to mind yet another artist, who dug a new water well for us last year.
Working in tight quarters, he lifted sand and gravel out of
an ever-deepening hole, sometimes coming within a hair’s breadth of obstructions, working quickly to maintain the opening while nimbly
placing tons of concrete sleeves 15 feet below the wheels of his tractor.
I recall our first backhoe on the farm.
It was a rickety piece of second hand (probably third or fourth hand) equipment.
One of my brothers, still in his teens, got on the tractor, wiggled the levers about for a couple of minutes… and operated that machine like it was a natural extension of his own arms.
That’s art, too.
The result might not be suitable for hanging in the Louvre, but watching it happen is more fun than a grizzled nerd tap-tapping on his keyboard. | http://www.mrtimes.com/opinion/391327281.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/a693db3398d542f442eaa3bba707c93fd1a5394238d3d246640d3ced49ffae83.json |
[]
| 2016-08-30T20:50:43 | null | null | Hundreds of owners recently shared photos of their four-legged friends, and a short story – or puppy tale – with The TIMES. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F391777831.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/4184mapleridgetimesFACES-ScottHenry.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Puppy Tales: Two kinds of shepherd say cheese | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Hundreds of owners recently shared photos of their four-legged friends, and a short story – or puppy tale – with The TIMES, including this two-year-old German Shepherd named Hilo (below)
Also featured, meet Kobe – an Australian Shepherd (above). Owner Scott Henrey sent this in from when he was a puppy.
See more below
The 2016 Cutest Dog photo contest was held by The TIMES, in conjunction with Ridge Meadows Home Show – the community’s largest single event of the year held every May at the Albion Fairgrounds and Planet Ice.
One component of this long-standing home show is the For the Love of Dogs Show, and to help promote the event and this aspect of the show, in particular, The TIMES thought a picture contest would be fun. It would allow locals to be a special part of this event, and show off their funniest and best pictures of their furry family members.
For more information about the home show, visit ridgemeadowshomeshow.com.
And please watch for next year’s Cutest Dog contest.
It is open to any dogs from Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows. While one grand prize package is given away, we attempt to run pictures of all entries online (and in print, as space allows).
Click here to check out the photo submissions for 2016.
If you’re a puppy lover, and have your own dog, make sure that you start taking photos now and watch The TIMES early in the new year for details on how to enter. | http://www.mrtimes.com/community/391777831.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/3e5aae5a67770915d040b313aeffa879b2509786d589e06146d82b7195bd5583.json |
[
"Ashley Wadhwani"
]
| 2016-08-26T13:06:11 | null | null | TIMES reporter Ashley Wadhwani offers a first-hand look at local hiking options –the first of a multi-piece series on exploring the outdoors | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F391317251.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/58380mapleridgetimesHiking2C.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Exploring through the evergreens | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | In Golden Ears Park, Spirea Nature Trail is an easy hike, where Ashley Wadhwani and her dog, Carl, stopped for a laugh.
Growing up in Maple Ridge, I’ve seen a lot of areas change.
What once was acreage of mud that friends and I used to sneak onto and play in, is now Samuel Robertson Technical School.
Even the frog swamp down the street from my house in west Maple Ridge is now new and soon-to-be-built houses.
But – thanks in most part to volunteers – many hiking trails throughout the community remain the same – in fact, almost a spitting image of what I remember as a kid.
These trails give local residents a chance to explore, play, and most importantly escape constant vibrating phones, white noise, and exhaust fumes.
From Mike Lake to Cliff Park to more arduous climbs like the one to Edge Peak in Golden Ears Provincial Park – I think it’s safe to say, there’s a hike suitable for everyone.
As part of a new, multi-piece series, The TIMES will be featuring hikes from different areas of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, for all experience levels, and I encourage you to tag along and try each one yourself.
Hiking through Spirea Nature Trail
We’ll start with an easy one, but nonetheless a worthy trail; friendly to both dogs and horses, and doable by youngsters.
In Golden Ears Provincial Park, Spirea Nature Trail begins a few kilometres past the park entrance, along the Golden Ears Parkway.
What makes this trail great is its close vicinity to the parking lot, and it’s almost year-round access.
Stepping a few feet onto the 2.5-kilometre trail, you’ll see luscious, tall, evergreens frame a path.
Kids can venture off to get a closer look at mushrooms and wild flowers, with no worry for parents of losing sight of them.
Part of the nature trail is located on a bog, so sets of boardwalks have been constructed, with lookout points. With my eager dog in tow, it wasn’t possible, but if you’re quiet enough I’m sure you can spot a few grouse and dragonflies.
And, although I have nothing against the animal (aside from a serious allergy), horses are welcome on certain parts of the trail. Others are just for hikers – a plus for those wanting to bring their dogs along.
I wouldn’t describe this hike as a workout, but more of a quiet, fresh-smelling walk where you can chat with a friend.
Doesn’t that sound like a relaxing way to spend an hour of your day off?
Now, it’s your turn to lace up! | http://www.mrtimes.com/community/391317251.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/0aa264b68d8007a9cbba625a999d2cb63c3bc898fd52d4781eee9bccb14af16b.json |
[]
| 2016-08-27T18:49:27 | null | null | TIMES reporter Eric Zimmer talks public pianos, tailgate parties, and pet supplies in this week's Down to Business column. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fbusiness%2F389123341.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/82946mapleridgetimessalvation1C.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Down to Business: Core abuzz on weekend | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | If you checked out the regular Haney Farmers Market this past Saturday, you likely noticed a few extra tents and happenings. Among this was the launch of this season’s Pianos on the Street.
Though it’s just the second season in Maple Ridge, Pianos on the Street was founded in 2009, as part of the Piano Teachers’ Federation, (PTF), and is the Lower Mainland’s largest outdoor public piano project.
The Maple Ridge Pianos on the Street segment is presented by the PTF, hosted by the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association, (DMRBIA) and City of Maple Ridge.
“This is an incredible addition to our downtown,” said Fred Armstrong, Maple Ridge’s communications manager.
“One of the things that makes our downtown exciting is when people are here and they’re involved.”
That same day, the DMRBIA also hosted Artists in the Park, where local artists and crafters had the chance to display, promote and sell their wares to those who dropped by.
Time to tailgate
Join the Chamber of Commerce Serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows for the second annual tailgate party, on Friday, Aug. 5.
Tickets are $15, and include a burger and beer.
The event runs from 5:30 to 10 p.m., and takes place at Chances Maple Ridge, in the spare parking lot.
There will also be local vendors, live music, The TIMES photo booth, a video game truck, and life-sized Jenga and Connect 4. Sounds pretty cool! Visit ridgemeadowschamber.com for full details.
PetSmart and Sally Ann pair
The Salvation Army Ridge Meadows Ministries recently partnered with PetSmart to help assist some furry friends in their first pet supply giveaway. | http://www.mrtimes.com/business/389123341.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/644ea334059c5f856acbbd6ff9da5748aa31e3905d840b032a188211b2a7ba9f.json |
[]
| 2016-08-26T13:13:39 | null | null | TIMES fishing columnis Jeff Weltz said he doesn’t ‘buy into the bass or trout prejudice.’ | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fsports%2F390511151.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/78043mapleridgetimesMRPMartcolumnweltz.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | ON THE FLY: The skinny on salmonids | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | This month I have chosen to cover, micropterus salmonids. Largemouth bass, or as I like to call them, swamp trout.
These fish, though often maligned by B.C. anglers, are one of North America’s most popular game fish.
About 20 years ago these fish started getting negative front page press, in B.C. magazines. This negative press drew a battle line between a small contingent of devoted B.C. bass anglers and the status quo of B.C. anglers.
Many claims have been made by what are termed, backyard biologists; that bass will decimate out resident salmonids stocks.
Though many tests have been done, these claims have yet to be confirmed. It has also claimed that bass have been illegally transported and planted, by the so called bucket brigade. Again these claims have yet to be verified.
Bass anglers claim that B.C. fisheries planted bass selectively in the early 1900s.
B.C. Fisheries denied claims that they have planted bass in the past and give credence to claims that bass are a threat to resident salmonids.
As I said, many tests have been done and this treat remains unproven.
Unlike many B.C. anglers I have fished a good portion of southern Ontario where bass and oncorhynchus mykiss kamloops, the famed Kamloops substrain of rainbow trout, coexist very effectively. So I do not buy into the bass or trout prejudice.
The documented truth is that small mouth bass were established here in B.C., in 1901, and large mouth in 1919, as recorded by Professor John Richard Dymon, in his book Trout and other Game Fish of British Columbia, published in 1932, by Fisheries Canada.
While records show many barren lakes in the B.C. interior, were not stocked with trout until the 1920’s.
As I stated earlier, legally planted bass and trout have been here in B.C., longer than any of us reading this column, and after 100 years of coexisting together neither has wiped the other out. I like and fish them both; perhaps you should too.
The Report
Fishing on our lower mainland lakes is fair to good. Stable weather has finally arrived; along with the heat. This mixed blessing makes thing a bit more challenging but not impossible.
Working the cooler more oxygenated water around underground springs, inlet streams, the south western regions of your favorite lake, in the early morning and evening, usually helps improve the catch ratio.
For wet (sinking) fly fishing try: Chironomid, black or green Wooly Bugger, Doc Spratley, Sixpack, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Dragon Nymph, Micro Leach, Pumpkinhead, or Baggy Shrimp. For dry (floating) fly fishing try: Lady McConnel, Tom Thumb, Elk Hair Caddis, Double Hackled Peacock, Black Gnat, Griffith Gnat, or Irresistible. For Kokanee try: Red Ibis, San Juan Worm, Red Spratley, or red Zonker.
Our Lower Mainland bass and panfish waters are in prime shape. Waters are still up but beginning to drop and the weeds are growing, so don’t leave this one too long.
For bass try: Popping Bug, Chernobyl Ant, adult Dragon and Damsel, Joe’s hopper, Stimulator, Foam Frog, Tom thumb, Big Black, black or green Wooly bugger, Dolly Whacker, Lefty’s Deceiver, Clouser’s Deep Minnow, or Pumpkinhead.
For panfish try: Popping Bug, Damsel Nymph, Dragon Nymph, Souboo, Micro Leach, Wooly Bugger, Tied Down Minnow, Dolly Whacker, Pumpkinhead, Black Gnat, Adams, Tom Thumb, Trico, Griffith Gnat.
Our interior lakes are in still fishing fairly well. Again, early morning and evening are the key.
For wet fly fishing try: Chironomid, Bloodworm, Red Spratley, Halfback, Big Black, black or green Wooly Bugger, Dragon Nymph, Butler’s Bug, Damsel Nymph, Pumpkinhead, or Baggy shrimp. For dry fly fishing try: Tom Thumb, Renegade, Lady McConnel, Goddard Sedge, Elk Hair Caddis, Black Gnat, Double Trued, Adams, or Irresistible.
It’s my favourite time of year!
That’s right, the Stonefly hatch is on! Time to hit the rivers, once a year event, “Big Flies, Big Fish.”
Salmon fishing on the Fraser is closed again.
The Chehalis River is slow to fair for rainbow and cutthroat. For cutthroat try: Rolled Muddler, Professor, Silver Doctor. For rainbow try Kaufman stone, Stimulator, California Blond, Adams, Irresistible, Elk Hair Caddis, Tom Thumb, Zulu, Black Gnat, Czech, Cased Caddis, Straw Man, Joe’s Hopper, or Goddard Caddis.
The Thompson River is very good for its famous rainbows: The bad news of the low sockeye return, is good news for those wishing to land one of the famous trophy Thompson River rainbows.
Many years of experience has taught me that if you want to enjoy the peak of the remarkable stone fly hatch, on the Thom, you need to fish the river hard during the hottest two weeks of summer, from the B.C. Day long weekend, until the sockeye flood the river at Spence Bridge.
Once the sockeye, bully the big bows out of all the prime holding water, the prospects of consistently finding those legendary big bows is over for another year; but not this year. We are pushing into the third week, and those 50cm plus rainbows are still persistently slamming size #2 and #4 Stimulators and Stone Nymphs. | http://www.mrtimes.com/sports/390511151.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/01187cf219ace8855d23c4e6f95595ee89c31dc4a85c7bbac1aad68b97d626ef.json |
[
"Eric Zimmer"
]
| 2016-08-26T13:04:31 | null | null | Each week, reporter Eric Zimmer shares tidbits about the local business community. If you have ideas, email to: [email protected] | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fbusiness%2F391363781.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/81553mapleridgetimespizzahut1C.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | DOWN TO BUSINESS: Dog days of market in Maple Ridge | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Pizza Hut staff showed off a giant cheque with the amount raised.
The Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association is presenting its third Summer Market this year, on Saturday, Aug. 27.
This year’s market will be all about the dogs, with a Doggie Days of Summer theme. The event will be held in conjunction with the Haney Farmers Market.
The market will include all kinds of fun dog and puppy activities, and contests.
It all takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Memorial Peace Park.
Call 604-467-2420, or visit downtownmapleridge.ca for more details.
Mayor talks to businesses postponed
If you’re a member of the Chamber of Commerce Serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, you’re invited to a small gathering with Maple Ridge Mayor Nicole Read.
The meeting was scheduled for next Wednesday, Aug. 31, at Maple Ridge City hall. BUT, it has been postponed, The TIMES learned today (Aug. 25).
"Due to our busy schedule with the chamber moving offices to a new location, we have not had a chance to reschedule," said executive director Andrea Madden.
The event is part of the chamber’s new Mayor Talks series, and is an opportunity for members to meet with Read and converse about local issues concerning Maple Ridge’s business community.
When it does happen, updates on current events, business support, economic development, transportation, and/or environment are expected to also be shared.
Stay tuned to The TIMES' weekly Down to Business column for an update on a new date for this event.
Pizza Hut helps find a cure
Pizza Hut announced that it raised a little more than $59,000 from the recent 2016 Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes.
The money donated by Pizza Hut came from the donations of customers, managers, and team members who purchased paper sneakers and participated in fundraising events leading up to the walk.
This marks the ninth year of Pizza Hut’s involvement with the Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes and brings the total funds raised to more than $200,000.
This year’s fundraising amount includes $2,670 collected at the Pizza Hut in Maple Ridge. | http://www.mrtimes.com/business/391363781.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/2dbdc45c5dc5f6c0b540daf1452f9dd44d92e456c85c20449caba2b8cedea6af.json |
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| 2016-08-26T13:09:37 | null | null | Pre-approval does not mean your financing is guaranteed when it comes to buying a home. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Flifestyles%2F387876042.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/76433mapleridgetimesPapp_Janice_L_Cx.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | LEGAL BRIEFS: Pre-approval offers no guarantees in hot housing market | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | by Janice Papp/ Special to The TIMES
It’s a HOT real estate market!
Are you one of the thousands in the Lower Mainland looking to purchase a new home during this current hot phase of the real estate market?
Perhaps you have your heart set on that newly renovated three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom house with the great backyard.
You fell in love with it the moment you set your eyes on it and you are determined to be the new owner!
You submit your offer with one of your conditions being “subject to approval by your lender for financing” (even though your lender advised you were already pre-approved) and you wait patiently for the seller to accept it.
Just when you think your offer will be the lucky one, you are told by your realtor there is now a bidding war!
Now what? Do you put in a higher offer, or do you waive your finance condition? Don’t waive the finance condition.
Pre-approval does not mean your financing is guaranteed.
Pre-approval could mean you meet general guidelines with respect to your credit and debt ratios. Other pre-approvals may only provide a rate guarantee.
Generally speaking, one of the main deciding factors of obtaining the final financing approval is the appraisal of the property you are wanting to purchase.
If financing is no longer a condition and the lender’s appraisal does not align with the amount you are offering to pay, you may not be able to complete the transaction.
Any deposit you made would likely be lost and you could be faced with a lawsuit for breach of contract.
If you are faced with this or a similar scenario, speak with your conveyancing lawyer for direction and advice.
– Janice L. Papp is a lawyer with Pitt Meadows’ Becker & Company. | http://www.mrtimes.com/lifestyles/387876042.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/02c6a0308c7d8057e421ac498b62877daa25a458ee6478e975dd148ca8f30562.json |
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| 2016-08-26T13:11:08 | null | null | Dr. Mike Orser, a veterinarian and property owner, looks elsewhere, and questions the low-barrier shelter concept for Maple Ridge. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fopinion%2F390720391.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/67829mapleridgetimesStorm2C.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | LETTER: Maple Ridge should look to Coquitlam before proceeding with homeless shelter | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Dr. Mike Orser owns Alouette Animal Hospital and the rest of the commercial building along Lougheed Highway. It is located near where a proposed new homeless shelter will be erected. He writes a letter offering his views.
Dear Editor:
It’s vital to gather facts before reacting to information like the homeless shelter announcement.
That’s why I felt it important to go speak to the businesses that are located in the vicinity of 3030 Gordon in Port Coquitlam (the shelter model some say will be used here and is operated by RainCity).
The people I spoke to were angry.
One business owner had spent in excess of $50,000 to purchase security equipment including cameras. He has video tape (that I was shown) of people pulling the plants out in front of his business, defecating in his parking lot, driving bicycles into the cars in his parking lot, and in one case, a woman cut herself on something in the area and then deliberately bled all over his car and those of his employees. They were quickly informed that she was, sadly, HIV positive.
He tells of a drunk resident walking out the door of the building and falling down. Five emergency vehicles came to attend. The development is ½ block from Westwood with a 50 km/hr speed limit.
Many of the residents have been hit and he said that it was such a problem that there were discussions about building an overpass at taxpayers’ expense to curb the accidents.
He went on to say that the residents do not inject on site but rather they do so in the surrounding neighbourhood and in the playgrounds nearby. He said that he has had to spend his morning picking up 60 to 70 needles from the area before he can open the door for business.
The online critics have called us knee jerk, heartless, Nimbys.
I would ask that they look at the realities before judging.
This is a health care crisis.
The research is now indicating that low barrier does not help the addicted. We need public treatment facilities that expect abstinence.
What this model does help is politicians.
Those challenged by addiction now have a house so the politicians and their supporters can put a faux feather in their caps and call it a success while the rest of us deal with the daily reality.
It allows them to say they have been effective at beating the homeless crisis because they have been able to entice those that don’t want to change their behaviours to come indoors to continue their behaviours.
Politicians are shuffling the problem to the doorsteps of the families and businesses in the vicinity of these developments.
I suggest that the critics, politicians, and media go door-to-door to businesses in the area of these low barrier shelters and speak to these people who share their lives with these tenants.
One person I spoke to called it a nightmare.
He went on to say that he is afraid to speak to the media as they face the type of backlash that we have faced when they share their truths. They are bullied into silence even when they have video evidence.
I wonder whether the mayor of Coquitlam would agree to low barrier or RainCity if he could do it all over again.
One of the last things that was shared was that once the trailers show up, it is too late to stop it.
He couldn’t believe they would consider putting this beside a daycare. He urged us to do something about this now before this ship has sailed.
Mike Orser, Maple Ridge | http://www.mrtimes.com/opinion/390720391.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/fecf63e855ee53e9bf91bfa9de67756361117a2e0f83b4fd9ee3e5107c0abf29.json |
[
"Staff Writer"
]
| 2016-08-26T14:50:49 | null | null | Joseph Michel Andre Bouchard was last seen Aug. 19 at the Vernon Greyhound bus station. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fnews%2F391397371.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/563vernona-bouchard8-26-16.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Vernon RCMP search for missing man | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Joseph Bouchard has been reported missing.
The Vernon RCMP are seeking the public's assistance to locate a missing Maple Ridge resident.
Joseph Michel Andre Bouchard was last seen Aug. 19 at the Vernon Greyhound bus station.
He is described as a Caucasian male, five-foot-nine and 280 pounds, with grey hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen wearing a black camp baseball cap, a short-sleeved red and white plaid shirt and jean shorts.
Anyone with information on Bouchard is urged to contact the police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. | http://www.mrtimes.com/news/391397371.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/4c8cf405e5c9cfbe9cb31faa9f4bc3789985ae24b7f7512cf69c6b64d80965e0.json |
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| 2016-08-30T16:52:39 | null | null | Andrew Ladd joins the New York Islanders after signing as a free agent. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fsports%2F391754061.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/94337mapleridgetimesladd1c.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Maple Ridge’s Ladd joins Isles | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Andrew Ladd, a Maple Ridge Hometown Hero, joins the New York Islanders via free agency this season.
Maple Ridge hometown hero, hockey star Andrew Ladd, is gearing up to join his fourth NHL team, the New York Islanders.
Drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round, fourth overall, in the 2014 NHL draft, Ladd, 30, has split his NHL career with the Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, and Winnipeg Jets.
The left winger’s was named as Winnipeg’s captain in 2010, and his best statistical season was 2014/15, when Ladd tallied 24 goals and 62 points with the Jets.
Last season he tallied eight goals and 12 points with the Blackhawks after joining his former team via trade.
The Islanders signed Ladd as an unrestricted free agent this summer.
In the first year of the Hometown Hero program, 1998, 12 athletes were honoured. Since then either one, two, or three athletes have been honoured every year.
The criteria for Hometown Heroes are that they must have attended local schools, come through local sports organizations and gone on to compete or participate at an international level.
Ladd is in elite company as a Hometown Hero. Others include Greg Moore, Cam Neely, Larry Walker, and Andrew Ladd as well as Olympians Lesley McPherson and Kevin Mitchell and Paralympians Stephanie MacDougall and Jennifer McKenzie. | http://www.mrtimes.com/sports/391754061.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/3ac52451fc86c0aeaef78288d52e578e7662819907bb28625a54aaefecd7cddc.json |
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| 2016-08-26T13:13:51 | null | null | VCMC Motorsport Club holds an autocross event at the facility this weekend. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fsports%2F390050911.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/48578mapleridgetimes76857mapleridgetimesPMAirport.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Fast times at Pitt Meadows Airport | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | VCMC Motorsport Club hosts "numerous" competitive autocross events each year at the JIBC YPK driving facility located at the Pitt Meadows Airport, and returns again this weekend.
"While our competitors live all over the Lower Mainland and Washington State, Pitt Meadows has a special place in our hearts as the host community for the races we look so forward to," said Peter Ferrucci, communications director for the VCMC Motorsport Club.
"As a result, we're giving back. Our annual two day race, the Summer Blitz, takes place on Aug. 13th and 14th and we'll be collecting donations for the Friends in Need Foodbank."
Visit the VCMC website for more details. | http://www.mrtimes.com/sports/390050911.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/f6f37a677c64a83ecea4604612cdebc286aae8f27ac502e85143e1cd01e23c29.json |
[]
| 2016-08-26T13:12:00 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fopinion%2F391328721.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/63426mapleridgetimesMRPMarteditmatthew.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | PAINFUL TRUTH: The comfort of small scandals | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | There is nothing quite as comforting right now as a small, traditional Canadian political scandal.
In case you missed this one, here’s a quick summary: Health Minister Jane Philpott has been using a pricey car service to get around town.
Not only is the service expensive (It uses Lexuses! Lexi? Luxury cars, anyway.) it is owned by a Liberal supporter. So money was flowing directly from the government to someone who contributed to help getting Philpott elected.
Shades of expensive orange juice!
There will now be recriminations. Money will be paid back (including for the Air Canada executive lounge membership Philpott also billed to the government) and statements of regret will be read and there will be promises to never, ever do this kind of thing again.
What’s comforting about this particular scandal?
Well there’s its relatively small nature. While we can’t have our politicians running around living in luxury at public expense, at least so far the luxury has only extended to four figures. It could have been much worse.
Consider the UK’s expenses scandal of not too long ago. The amounts were higher, the number of MPs involved was sizeable.
There was also a degree of shamelessness that you wouldn’t think to associate with the Brits. One MP simply billed for “moat cleaning” and got away with it for years.
But it’s comforting on another level.
It’s familiar and understandable.
It’s wrong, of course, but it’s not hard to imagine ourselves, given access to an essentially blank cheque for travel going a bit bonkers. Even if you wouldn’t, you know friends or family who would be tempted. Fly in coach or upgrade to business class where there are fewer shrieking babies and your knees can move more than 0.7 degrees?
Finally, it seems like a minor problem compared to what most of the rest of the world is going through right now.
Brazil is dealing with a crisis that has unseated its prime minister along with broad corruption. Britain has no idea how to handle Brexit. The United States election… well, the less said, the better.
We have a lot of serious problems here in Canada, and we also have to deal with petty spending scandals when they crop up among our parliamentarians. But it could be worse. Just remember that it could be much, much worse. | http://www.mrtimes.com/opinion/391328721.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/221530ae47bc1f658992b9aa022dd662d051ab042ac36195983baef7332e1c44.json |
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| 2016-08-26T13:13:30 | null | null | Maple Ridge will look to end the series Wednesday at New Westminster's Queen's Park Arena. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fsports%2F390369311.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/20259mapleridgetimesburrards5c.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | PHOTOS: Maple Ridge Burrards put New Westminster Salmonbellies on brink of elimination | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Troy Landreville/TIMES Maple Ridge Burrards’ Colton Porter upended New Westminster Salmonbellies’ Reid Mydske during the second period of Monday’s Western Lacrosse Association playoff game at Planet Ice. The Burrards beat the ’Bellies 10-9.
As of Wednesday, the Maple Ridge Burrards had the New Westminster Salmonbellies on the hook, and flailing around in their best-of-seven, Western Lacrosse Association semifinal series.
Now, the B’s need to reel the ’Bellies in and finish them off.
The Burrards are a win away from advancing to the WLA final, after edging the Salmonbellies 10-9 Monday at Planet Ice.
The win gives the Burrards a commanding 3-1 series lead.
But winning game five – set for Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. at New Westminster’s Queen’s Park Arena – will be no easy task.
The Salmonbellies finished second in the WLA standings at season’s end with a 12-4-2 record, three points up on the third-place Burrards (11-6-1).
“It’s pretty close,” Burrards head coach Rob Williams said after Monday’s victory. “It’s been ebbs and flows. With lacrosse, that’s the way it works. I think we’ve been a little more focused at times than they have, but, even though we’re up 3-1 and it’s been a lot closer series than that.”
For the most part, every game between the teams has been tightly contested, with the Burrards jumping out to a 2-0 series lead on the strength of a 13-9 victory at Queen’s Park on Aug. 9 and a 7-6 win at Planet Ice last Friday.
New West got some life this past Saturday by beating Maple Ridge 9-7 at Queen’s Park.
In Williams’ opinion, the Burrards outran and outworked the ’Bellies in the series opener, adding that New West came back with a younger lineup after that to try to match Maple Ridge’s athleticism with youth.
Monday’s win puts the Burrards back in control, and on the verge of winning the series.
During game four, the Burrards jumped out to leads of 6-1 and 7-2 before the ’Bellies charged back to narrow the deficit to 7-6 early in the third period.
The Burrards regained momentum and led 10-7 after Jarrett Davis found the net at the 12:18 mark of the final frame.
The visitors stormed back on goals from Dane Sorensen and Jordan McBride to come within a goal, but were unable to net the equalizer before the final buzzer.
Riley Loewen led the Burrards’ offence with three goals and one assist and was named the game’s first star.
His teammate Dan Taylor notched a hat trick and earned second star honours.
Zack Porter, Owen Barker, and Luke Gillespie also scored for the Burrards, who outshot the Salmonbellies 58-52.
Burrards stick with it
The Burrards survived early season controversy, after the league set a June 12 deadline for the team to pay a $25,000 surety bond or risk having their entire team suspended for the remainder of the campaign.
The league’s six teams voted to place sanctions on the Burrards after a fight-filled May 29 tilt against the Burnaby Lakers.
Maple Ridge’s Daniel Amesbury received the maximum five-game suspension from league commissioner Ernie Truant, while Kevin Reid of the Burrards was assessed a three-game ban.
Before the dealine expired, the Burrards and the WLA came to an agreement to continue the season.
Williams was happy with the way the Burrards shook off the controversy and forged on to have a solid season.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this team,” he said. “We’ve been like this for a long time. We’re tight-knit and leaning on each other. Our captains have done a great job holding things together and being of sound mind and reason. They’ve been a calming influence on our bench.”
– Files from the Vancouver Province
• For more Vancouver Province stories, click here.
• For more photos from Monday's game at Planet Ice, click here | http://www.mrtimes.com/sports/390369311.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/a23256362d5d92348a633b83948515fdc2fbaa6a924bba78dc57ba0df2b447b7.json |
[
"Ashley Wadhwani"
]
| 2016-08-26T13:08:00 | null | null | Siblings Drysen and Charlee Wood were excited to drive their ‘Bumblebee’ Camaro SS through Thursday’s car show at A&W. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F390992141.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/22960mapleridgetimeskidscar1C.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Showin 'n' shinin' at Maple Ridge's A&W car show | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Siblings Drysen and Charlee Wood were excited to drive their ‘Bumblebee’ Camaro SS through Thursday’s car show at A&W.
Siblings Drysen and Charlee Wood were excited to drive their ‘Bumblebee’ Camaro SS through Thursday’s car show at A&W.
Other car enthusiasts asked them questions about their beloved wheels, and the siblings even turned down a few straight trade offers for other cars on the lot.
Adam Wood told The TIMES Drysen and Charlee can't wait to stop by again this Thursday (Aug. 25).
On Thursday, A&W will be celebrating Burgers to Beat MS day, to help Canadians living with MS.
For an eighth year, $1 from every Teen Burger sold across the country on this day will go to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
Since 2009, A&W’s dedicated operators, enthusiastic staff, and loyal guests have raised more than $8 million to support world-class MS research that is bringing us closer to a cure, and programs and services that help Canadians with MS live better lives until a cure is found.
Maple Ridge's A&W restaurants will host Burgers to Beat MS events – many featuring A&W Root Beer float stands, music, games, and other fun-filled activities.
Anyone can get involved and join the #BurgersToBeatMS conversation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. A&W has also created a special Snapchat filter.
In addition to buying a Teen Burger, supporters can also donate through rounding up their bill at the register, purchasing $2 paper cutouts, and giving through in-store donation mugs – all of which go towards supporting activities that help people touched by MS.
A&W will also donate $1 to the MS Society for every share on Facebook (up to $20,000) of the Burgers to Beat MS online video launched last week, featuring A&W spokesperson Allen—from A&W’s TV commercials. This video will be available on A&W’s Facebook page.
“Through our partnership with A&W, I have been astonished by the generosity of the A&W family and the support of their guests each year during this event,” says Yves Savoie, President and CEO of the MS Society of Canada. “I am so very proud of the work we do together with A&W in making real progress in MS research and improving the lives of Canadians living with MS. We could not do this without the support of the many Canadians who join us in the fight to end MS on Burgers to Beat MS day.” | http://www.mrtimes.com/community/390992141.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/28596f3b9fbc28a55be880cc8a8c2b4f34647e53d48f4525813cc527caa6f6b7.json |
[
"Eric Zimmer"
]
| 2016-08-31T02:52:52 | null | null | Maple Ridge resident Karyssa Adesiyan still remembers feeling daunted and a little nervous before she threw her first axe. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fsports%2F391818171.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/25008mapleridgetimesAxe3C.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Axe throwing proves 'exhilarating' for Maple Ridge woman | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Maple Ridge resident and Bad Axe thrower Karyssa Adesiyan.
Maple Ridge resident Karyssa Adesiyan still remembers feeling daunted and a little nervous before she threw her first axe.
Now, around two months after that first toss, she calls axe throwing an “exhilarating” experience.
“I had always found the idea of throwing an axe intriguing, but of course, had nowhere to do it,” she said.
And it was after this first throw – while attending an open house at Bad Axe Throwing (an Ontario-based company that has recently opened up shop in B.C.) – that Adesiyan became hooked.
“Axe throwing can be for anyone,” the 19-year-old said. “No matter your size or strength, axe throwing can be a fun activity for you to do because it doesn’t discriminate.”
It’s also great for team building “because what’s better than building trust than throwing axes?” she said.
In fact, Adesiyan took such a shine to the sport, that “Melanie Willamson, The Queen of Axes, offered me a job [as an axe throwing host] because of my positive and enthusiastic approach to the sport,” she said. “I couldn’t not accept.”
For Adesiyan, the appeal of the sport lies in “the power that comes from throwing an axe,” which, she said, is addicting.
“You have to put a lot of trust in yourself and in your axe,” she added. “I like to say that axe throwing is a perfect balance between distance, speed, and precision. You will become accurate in time, but finding your stance is the most important part.”
Additionally, she said, there are “so many different ways” to throw an axe: “underhand, one hand, two at once, or on one leg.”
There is also “lot of experimentation that comes with the sport that you can’t find anywhere else.”
It’s a passion for the sport she wants others to feel, and she encouraged people to give it a go.
“Within one session you can be throwing like a pro,” she said. “Your throwing host or hostess will take you through the basics and safety rules. Then from there, you can experiment with distance, speed, hand positions, you name it.”
And people shouldn’t be intimidated by what they see on TV, Adesiyan insisted.
“A lot of people assume that you need to hurl the axe like a Game of Thrones character,” she explained.
“While we encourage putting all your power behind the axe, we also encourage a more subtle approach. If you can master your stance and find your perfect distance, the axe will do the work for you,” Adesiyan elaborated.
Currently, there isn’t an axe throwing operation in Maple Ridge, so Adesiyan operates out of a facility in Surrey.
However, that hasn’t stopped her desire to bring it closer to home.
“I have been trying to get my mom to get some boards and an axe for our backyard,” she laughed.
For those looking to check out Bad Axe Throwing, “our events are by appointment only and hopefully in the future drop-in appointments will be opened,” she said. “We are also starting leagues come this September, which you can get information on by going to our website.”
Ultimately, while the core of the activity is throwing an axe at a target, “Bad Axe is about connecting with your friends and family, mastering a new skill, and learning how to become a lumberjack or lumberjill,” she concluded. | http://www.mrtimes.com/sports/391818171.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/180387c6eb3ea3a1bd5c6686c5e3a6c4366e81d7b0e4dc6dde097e69c52b7ba8.json |
[
"Ashley Wadhwani"
]
| 2016-08-26T12:56:18 | null | null | A summer concert series on the wharf begins Monday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fentertainment%2F385769551.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/75357mapleridgetimeswharf1c.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Concert series offers easy listening with a view in Maple Ridge | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Bring a comfy lawn chair, a blanket, and listen to some music in front of the Fraser River; that’s what the Maple Ridge Historical Society is hoping community members continue to do again this year during its Music on the Wharf concert series, which begins Monday (July 11).
The concert series isn’t new.
In fact, it’s nearing its 20th anniversary.
And two times in July and August each year, community members gather at the Port Haney Wharf on River Road for by donation, live performances of jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, country, and more.
Maple Ridge Museum curator Allison White said she hopes for another year of great turnout.
“We are hoping for a good turn-out, as usual,” she said, adding the crowd size ranges, “but it’s always a few hundred people.”
Monday’s first show of the series will be brought to community members with a performance by the Lonesome Sinners – a five-piece band which covers R&B to blues music.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and usually ends around 9 p.m., with an intermission fit in the middle.
Music on the Wharf 2016 Performers
July 11th – Lonesome Sinners (7:30 p.m.)
July 25th – Siobhan Walsh Group (7:30 p.m.)
August 8th – Ben Klick (7:30 p.m.)
August 22nd – Wichita Trip (7 p.m.) | http://www.mrtimes.com/entertainment/385769551.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/ed63135b7cb99fa68ffe1c8d36080991774252c9930af0d0e0776413b52ce496.json |
[
"Troy Landreville"
]
| 2016-08-26T13:12:18 | null | null | Michelle Pabuaya is donating nearly $100 worth of groceries to the Friends In Need Food Bank. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fnews%2F391348871.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/70761mapleridgetimesshoppingspree11c.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | TIMES Shopping Spree Contest winner shows big heart | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | The timing of having her name drawn in The TIMES’ 2016 Shopping Spree Contest couldn’t have been better for Maple Ridge resident Michelle Pabuaya.
And the Friends In Food Bank.
Both benefited from the Aug. 25, two-hour whirlwind spree, put on and sponsored by The TIMES.
With a stretch limo transporting her from place to place, Pabuaya had $2016 to spend in 2,016 seconds, at stops including the Langley Farmers Market, Lotus and Lemongrass, Chameleon cafe, Haney Sewing and Sound, Maple Ridge Florist, Pennzoil 10 Minute Oil Change Centre, G&G Music, The Keg Steakhouse & Bar, Canadian Tire, Marks, Home Envy Furnishing, Haney Public House Hotel Beer & Wine Store, and Haney Home Hardware.
With her husband Manny as well as TIMES’ advertising manager Peggy O’Brien by her side, Pabuaya was a gal on a mission – all told among the 14 businesses, she spent an efficient total of five minutes and 38 seconds.
Her first stop of the morning was the Langley Farmers Market, where she managed to gather $94.41 worth of nonperishables – all going to the local food bank.
“Two thousand and 16 dollars is a lot of money,” said Pabuaya , mom to two teenage daughters. “Lucky money is good to pass on. It’s good karma.”
With the first stop out of the way, Pabuaya began shopping for herself and her family. They were recently hit with a $2,000 deductible bill from their home insurance company, after a pipe leaked between the second third floor of their townhome.
The unexpected bill quashed their vacation plans.
Being the lucky winner of the shopping spree makes up for it.
(Read more below)
Pabuaya filled out an entry form while visiting Maple Ridge Florist and admits she forgot about the contest.
About three weeks later, she was shopping at Save-On-Foods when her cellphone rang. On the other line was O’Brien, who delivered the great news.
“I actually forgot half of the stuff I was shopping for that day,” Pabuaya recalled. “I was elated.”
O’Brien said “it is a very exciting time to take Michelle around to 14 businesses in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows to spend her shopping spree dollars and in turn promote ‘Shop Local.’”
She continued, “We had lots of tun and I was left with a warm heart when Michelle said she was paying it forward with some of her purchases to the food bank.”
O’Brien noted that this is the first year The TIMES has hosted this contest and promises to put it on again next year.
• Click here to view photos | http://www.mrtimes.com/news/391348871.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/0a01be5cc8eb366973134cffe241de12ec99296217c65a0bc8d7e02aa49df606.json |
[]
| 2016-08-26T13:10:39 | null | null | Christine Bickle is tired of hearing the acronym 'Nimby.' | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fopinion%2F390877091.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/60276mapleridgetimesMRPMarteditletters.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | LETTER: 'We are all Nimbys' | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | If you have an opinion and want to share those views in a letter to the editor, you are more than welcome. Please email, with your name, address, and phone number to [email protected]
Dear Editor,
I am so tired of hearing this acronym.
People throw it around in an effort to stop meaningful conversation in its tracks.
It doesn’t matter whether my ideas are grounded in fact, whether there is community support or whether I have personal experiences to share.
Throw out the term 'NIMBY' and now I am a bad person and you should stop listening to anything I have to say. You have given me a label so now I should shut up.
I believe we are all Nimbys to some degree. I embrace this because I try not to be a hypocrite. There are things that each and every one of us would not want in our backyard, our neighbourhoods, or our communities.
Just a few of the things that I don’t want in my backyard are:
A nuclear power plant
A sewage treatment facility
A garbage dump
A cell tower
A hydro power station
A grow operation (legal or otherwise)
A maximum security prison
That is not to say that they do not have purpose and benefit society in some way or another. I am just saying that I don’t want to live beside them.
Another thing that I do not want to see in my community is a low-barrier homeless shelter (especially beside a daycare). It is not because I do not have compassion. It is not because I do not understand the matter of addiction. It is because I do not believe that low-barrier works for the people that it is meant to support. And yes, it also does not work for the neighbours and businesses that must share the same environment.
That does not make me ignorant.
Somebody tried to throw the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in my face recently (online of course because we are all so brave behind our keyboards). I believe that these rights apply to all of us equally including:
Fundamental Freedoms 2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms: (a) freedom of conscience and religion; (b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication; (c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and (d) freedom of association.
This also means you are allowed to your opinion and you can call me a Nimby. If I acknowledge it though maybe I take the power away from your label and you will stop using it as a way to take away my right to express myself.
I am a Nimby. Let the hateful comments begin.
Christine Bickle, Maple Ridge
Editor's Note: 'NIMBY' stands for "Not in my back yard." | http://www.mrtimes.com/opinion/390877091.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/aec9770fe95bf8be3884e369ce033e883993079eef63987a63c5ebe69d106535.json |
[]
| 2016-08-26T13:12:29 | null | null | How YPK's board will operate and a potential short-term conflict of interest were announced by Pitt Meadows Mayor John Becker. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fnews%2F391336351.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/82889mapleridgetimes76857mapleridgetimesPMAirport.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Pitt Meadows airport board rescinds resignations | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | The closest small airport to Royal Columbian is in Pitt Meadows, just more than 20 kilometres away.
Concerns about the operation of the Pitt Meadows Regional Airport have prompted some short and long-term changes, Pitt Meadows Mayor John Becker announced Thursday.
But little changes will be made to the airports board of directors.
Back in May, the board handed in their resignations effective July 31.
The board, with the exception of one director, has opted "by their own accord to continue in their capacity as directors," Becker said.
The one vacancy has since been filled by appointing airport manager Elvio Pecchia to the board – a short-term arrangement, Becker said, noting he recognizes the "potential conflict of interest" arising with a senior manager sitting on the board.
An interim governance plan has been accepted, including a commitment by both councils to a joint long-term solution to the governance structure of YPK, he added.
"We understand that the community needs to see action taken on this issue."
It's an interim solution, he said, noting the composition of the board, as well as the permanent governance model, the airport vision, and strategic planning have all been part of deliberations, debate, and dialogue with stakeholders thus far.
These are steps being made to improve the governance and structure of the airport, Becker said, noting that both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows councils have been part of the discussion, as well as the airport board.
"With regard to the airport governance model, both councils expressed a common goal of establishing an appropriate long-term, balanced board structure by the end of December 2016. They remained unanimous on the need to solve the board’s current appointment process and, more importantly, conducting a visioning exercise for optimizing airport operations," Becker said.
"This exercise will achieve fundamental operational changes in an engaging, meaningful and inclusive fashion in order to improve both the airport and the Pitt Meadows community, where the airport is located."
He said a new governance structure should be in place by the end of the year, or early 2017. A vision and strategic long-term plan for the airport are expected to follow.
"Council and I expect the board will engage our community in a meaningful and inclusive way on important decision-making processes, as opposed to simply informing. Such fundamental change to our communication will reduce potential conflicts regarding respective roles and responsibilities," Becker said.
"This improved communication will also ensure that the board and the City of Pitt Meadows each have significant input on decisions regarding strategic directions. It is our hope that through this improved process, we can work together to produce a vision and strategic plan that is understood and accepted by all stakeholders.” | http://www.mrtimes.com/news/391336351.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/8ee2afd1283aaeabf551584a34401927ed10b817aeacfc5f8b1e47a57cf4d063.json |
[
"Ashley Wadhwani"
]
| 2016-08-29T22:50:28 | null | null | Julie and Mitch McNicol were camping in Birch Bay when they got word their little Rotary ducky was a winner. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F391652801.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/46398mapleridgetimeswinner3C.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | VIDEO: Rotary Duck Race winners pick up their new ride | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Julie and Mitch McNicol were camping in Birch Bay when they got word their little Rotary ducky was a winner.
At the beginning of August, thousands of ducks raced down the Alouette River in Maple Ridge Park, during the annual Rotary Duck Race, with the McNicol's duck crossing the finish line first.
When they found out they won the first place prize – a 2015 vehicle from Maple Ridge Chrysler, they thought it was a joke.
"We said, 'is this real?'" Mitch explained.
Rather fitting, Mitch is a coach at Pitt Meadows Secondary School, and sees the benefits from the annual fundraiser hosted by Rotary Club of Haney and Meadow Ridge Rotary Club.
The race raised $57,000 for youth groups and sports teams, including a few from Pitt Meadows secondary.
"It's awesome for the sports teams," Mitch said.
Julie and Mitch's son is going into Grade 9 at Pitt Meadows Secondary School and plays on the basketball team. He also helped sell tickets.
Both parents agreed it's a great opportunity for their son to fundraise for his team.
On Monday morning, the couple got the keys to their new ride, which will replace their aging minivan. | http://www.mrtimes.com/community/391652801.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/c8e8431da90b8b8369485db1e09b149dae061b5f8d02fd51bae79e3a93b6de7d.json |
[
"Jeff Nagel"
]
| 2016-08-26T13:12:51 | null | null | $60 a year increase for most drivers once optional auto insurance increase is included | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fnews%2F391304001.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/52753BCLN2007CarcrashLangleyfile.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | ICBC seeks 4.9 per cent basic rate hike as crashes, costs climb | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | ICBC wants to increase basic auto insurance rates by 4.9 per cent – the fifth straight annual increase – as it continues to grapple with rising numbers of crashes, claims and dramatically increasing costs.
The typical driver will pay $3.50 a month or $42 a year more for basic insurance if the hike is approved.
But the corporation is also raising optional rates by 2.8 per cent so the average customer who buys both basic and optional insurance with ICBC will see their insurance bill rise $5 a month, or $60 a year.
ICBC CEO Mark Blucher said the basic rate hike would have been much worse – 15.5 per cent translating into a $130 annual premium increase – had the province not approved another major transfer of $472 million from the optional to the basic side of operations.
A compounding factor has been the long decline of interest rates, which result in less investment income revenue to ICBC.
"These external pressures have really created a perfect storm and it's a really significant challenge for the organization," Blucher said in an interview Thursday.
ICBC had raised rates 5.5 per cent a year ago, and the province's rate smoothing policy requires the annual change be within 1.5 per cent of the previous year's increase.
The number of crashes has climbed 15 per cent in two years and damage claims are up 11 per cent.
Vehicles are increasingly reliant on technology and expensive materials that have become more costly in recent years as the loonie sagged against the U.S. dollar.
Despite much safer vehicles, injury claims have soared to $2.4 billion, up 60 per cent from $1.5 billion in 2008.
"We've seen no evidence that these strong trends are abating," Blucher said. "In fact, if anything, they're continuing to escalate going forward."
Blucher also noted there are more cars on the road in B.C. today – 3.1 million up from 2.8 million in 2011 – and people are driving more because of cheaper gas, contributing to more accidents, particularly in densifying urban areas.
And he pointed to personal injury lawyers as an aggravating cause of ICBC's spiralling claims costs.
"B.C. is the only province in Canada where you can sue another motorist for even a minor traffic accident," Blucher said, noting an increase in lawyer-represented claims and advertising by injury law firms.
Internal operating costs have been cut by $186 million a year, and ICBC is counting on more savings ahead, through its modernization program, by more aggressively combatting insurance fraud and from a hoped-for drop in distracted driving as motorists respond to stiffer penalties.
But transfers from the optional side to bolster the basic side will likely be needed for the foreseeable future, Blucher said, because basic premiums can't keep up with rising costs.
In a surprise move, the B.C. government will this year forgo extracting its usual $160-million annual dividend from ICBC's optional side into general revenue.
"Forgoing the dividend this particular year is one strategy amongst a litany of others we're employing to get that basic trate increase down," Transportation Minister Todd Stone said.
Stone said the $514 million the province has transferred out of ICBC in dividends since 2012 is small compared to the $1.4 billion over the same period that has been shifted from the competitive optional side to basic to apply downward pressure on basic rates.
The minister would not say if the government would permanently give up the ICBC dividend.
Adrian DIx, the NDP critic for ICBC, said the dividends to government have exceeded $1.2 billion since 2010 and predicted they'll resume after next year's election because the BC Liberals are "addicted" to using ICBC as a "profit centre."
Dix said the reliance on shifting huge amounts of capital from optional to basic raises troubling questions.
"Next year they've got to find that $472 million," Dix said. "What they've done is create a disaster at ICBC and their only hope is to deceive the voters until after the election."
He said ICBC's new move to hire more claims staff underscores problems with completing the computer modernization that was supposed to make operations more efficient.
"The transformation project has taken longer than World War 2 and is not close to finished."
ICBC's basic rates rose 11.2 per cent in 2012 and at least five per cent every year since.
The new rate hike is subject to B.C. Utilities Commission approval.
ICBC Rate Pressure Charts | http://www.mrtimes.com/news/391304001.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/e5d15cc146c6bf9cd23a7b42401b4772a18809b18dc41f05391b544520334551.json |
[]
| 2016-08-26T13:02:32 | null | null | A total of $10,000 was raised for the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation, during the second annual Operation 100. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fbusiness%2F389526321.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/22425mapleridgetimes91091mapleridgetimes67478hyndai1c.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Maple Ridge Hyundai helps hospital | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | A total of $10,000 was raised for the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation, during the second annual Operation 100 event.
During operation 100, the dealership donated $100 per vehicle sold to the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation for new equipment.
The goal of Operation 100 was to sell 100 vehicles in 30 days, resulting in a donation of $10,000.
“Supporting the local community is important to our business, and after a successful first year of business under our management, the residents of Maple Ridge have been nothing but welcoming and we look forward to giving back,” said John Kot, president of Maple Ridge Hyundai.
“Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation has been assisting Maple Ridge residents for over 30 years, and we are honored to support this foundation in their efforts to provide the highest level of medical care in Maple Ridge.”
Kot said he understands how important it is to have proper medical care, as his daughter has been affected by heart problems consistently since birth.
“Having the ability to help our community provide a higher level of health care for all families will help everyone through an already difficult time in their life,” he added. | http://www.mrtimes.com/business/389526321.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/3cf7b4b9c6a7dfb3bd1a572b224f35a01dd337c134e76a3ca098b2b65762b131.json |
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| 2016-08-26T13:13:12 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F371117901.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/39140mapleridgetimesMRPMarteditletters.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | LETTER: Minister responds on disability payments | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Dear Editor,
Last month, the provincial budget was tabled – and in doing so, we announced an investment of $170 million to increase disability assistance rates for about 100,000 clients.
Unfortunately, in recent weeks a great deal of confusion has been created, resulting in anxiety and fear – so I wish to address the facts.
The level of rate increase depends on whether a client wishes to continue to access a subsidized annual bus pass - but regardless, it will be their choice to: 1) receive the full $77 per month rate increase 2) maintain an annual bus pass and receive an extra $25 per month, or 3) if you receive the Special Transportation Subsidy, the rate increase includes this amount and an additional $11 per month.
It is important to note, the subsidized bus pass is a significant savings to people in communities such as Victoria or Vancouver where a monthly pass can cost anywhere from $85 to $170 per month – while the cost of purchasing a bus pass directly from BC Transit in other communities may be much less. For example, a bus pass currently costs $40 a month in Fort St. John, $35 in Quesnel and $44 in Chilliwack.
As a person with a disability – I fully understand and appreciate that the level of increase, whatever it may result in for an individual recipient, is modest. However, this is just one of many initiatives your government has adopted to ensure greater support and wrap-around services for those with a disability.
Through Budget 2016, we extended the seniors $1,000 home renovation tax credit to people with a disability. We have increased Annualized Earnings Exemptions that help people on assistance whose ability to work fluctuates throughout the year. They can earn an additional $9,600 a year without it affecting their assistance. We have also brought in changes so people on disability can receive cash gifts with no impact to their assistance. Technology@work provides accessible technology to people withdisabilities, making it easier for them to find and retain employment.
And we have simplified the application process to make it easier for some people applying for disability assistance.
We will continue to invest in programs and services that ensure people with disabilities receive an increasing level of support – and I will continue to work with the disability community to push forward and achieve the goals we are collectively seeking.
Michelle Stilwell
Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation | http://www.mrtimes.com/opinion/letters/371117901.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/33bdf9542dfb71ebffbca3d11259dbf3c81c7da6fbb1939001b459c3bbebea70.json |
[
"Troy Landreville"
]
| 2016-08-26T13:14:05 | null | null | Maple Ridge went into enemy territory and drew first blood against Victoria, and the series shifts to Planet Ice on Friday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fsports%2F391353001.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/4073mapleridgetimesburrardsvsshamrocks6c.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Maple Ridge Burrards down Victoria Shamrocks to open WLA championship series | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | On June 12, the last time the Maple Ridge Burrards took on the Victoria Shamrocks at Planet Ice, the Shamrocks came away with a 12-10 victory.
If you are a fan of the Maple Ridge Burrards, chalk one up for the good guys.
The Burrards opened their best-of-seven, Western Lacrosse Association championship series against the Victoria Shamrocks with an 11-6 win Wednesday at Victoria’s The Q Center.
The Burrards played shutdown defence in the second period, holding the Shamrocks scoreless while putting up three goals of their own to take an 8-3 lead into the third period.
The teams exchanged three goals each in the final frame to close out the scoring.
Burrards goaltender Frank Scigliano was outstanding in making 47 saves for the visitors, while Ben McIntosh (two goals, three assists), Jarrett Davis (two goals, two helpers) and Dan Taylor (a goal and six assists) led the Burrards’ attack.
The series shifts to Planet Ice for game two on Friday, with a 6 p.m. opening faceoff.
This series is a rematch of the 2014 WLA final, which the Shamrocks won in five games.
The winner of this series moves on to the Mann Cup national senior A boxla championship against the champions from Ontario. | http://www.mrtimes.com/sports/391353001.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/6edf0a54015e445fdb6ec7945c7cd82e0176868f43c459eedac5d64feff7d556.json |
[
"Roxanne Hooper"
]
| 2016-08-26T13:14:08 | null | null | The Bantam AA Royal team is representing B.C. in the St. Albert this weekend. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fsports%2F390034591.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/40174mapleridgetimesIMG_4717.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | UPDATE: Generosity puts young baseball team on Alberta diamond for Western Canadian championships | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | The Ridge Meadows Bantam AA Royals, all decked out in their BC Baseball team gear, prepared to load the charter bus in the background. They travelled all night to get to the Western Canadian baseball finals in Alberta. Action starts today, and continues through Sunday.
UPDATE SATURDAY:
We're hearing the Bantam AA team won again today, 10-9.
We understand if they win tomorrow, our local Team BC make the finals for the Westerns.
*******
Word late Friday night indicates that the Royals (now known as Team BC) won their first game against Alberta 5-0.
"Go Royals, go Team BC," Ridge Meadows Baseball posted on Instagram.
******
Literally truck full of empty bottles and cans, as well as a donated charter bus made it possible for a team of young Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows ball players to play at the Western Canadian Championships in Alberta starting today.
The Bantam AA Royals are warming up, and preparing to play their hearts out this weekend at the Legion Memorial Ball Park in St. Albert. Winning at the provincials on home turf earlier this month secured the team of 15-year-and-younger ball players a spot in the Western finals start get underway today and run through Sunday.
The team left home at 8 p.m. Wednesday, and arrived in St. Albert, just outside of Edmonton, late Thursday.
The trip, said one parent Maggie Morrison, was possible thanks to a lot of caring people.
Ahead of their departure, the team had a lot of long practices. But they also partnered with coaches and parents to help fundraiser for their trip. As the TIMES previously reported, they needed money to cover the cost of hotel, food, and transportation.
Turns out the transportation was covered. A charter bus, which they travelled to and will return from West Edmonton in was chartered by Baseball BC.
As well, last Saturday they held a community bottle drive, and between that and a GoFundMe page set up by one of the parents, they managed to raise a little more than $3,100 before hitting the Alberta fields.
“The team would like to thank all who contributed,” Morrison said, her 15-year-old son Brendan one of 14 team members who made the trek.
• Stay tuned to The TIMES for find out how the boys do at the Western Canada finals | http://www.mrtimes.com/sports/390034591.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/4d8cc141b25f381e63b43056a1b5e1a720726190930550c2c9ac33d464feacca.json |
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| 2016-08-30T16:52:38 | null | null | A Maple Ridge golfer gained valuable experience by competing in a high-level tourney in Ontario. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fsports%2F391755551.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/94959mapleridgetimes52758521-c8bd-4d79-bce3-e2cd018e7d65.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Maple Ridge’s Lee golfed in Barrie | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | The Canadian Junior Golf Association is designed to provide Canada's junior golfers with 'the necessary skills and knowledge required to lay a foundation for a future in competitive golf.'
Maple Ridge’s Esther Subin Lee was among the Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) golfers who joined other junior golfers from the U.S. Aug. 22 to 25 at Barrie, Ontario’s Highlands Golf Course, for the AJGA’s Under Armour Canadian Championship.
Subin Lee joined other golfers in the 12-18 girls age group.
A total of 96 golfers competed in the 54-hole stroke-play event this year, four of whom being past AJGA champions. Furthermore, six Canadian provinces were represented, along with 16 states and three countries.
This tournament marked the fourth time the CJGA has partnered with the AJGA to bring an AJGA event to Canada.
“Each year, the partnership between the organizations grows stronger and the CJGA is very pleased to have the opportunity to team up with the AJGA,” said CJGA managing director of tour operations, John Lawrence.
“The level of competition put forward by players from the AJGA, provides an incredibly beneficial learning experience for our junior golfers and we look forward to continuing this partnership for years to come.” | http://www.mrtimes.com/sports/391755551.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/0b4d36ba0f7c95c9d2eea6cf715e856b2480d65863eff8313f4460412ee12328.json |
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| 2016-08-30T18:50:39 | null | null | There are a few changes now in effect for recycling pick up in Pitt Meadows. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F391760221.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/96896mapleridgetimesCpnG5H2UAAA97NA.jpg_large.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Pitt Meadows recycling changes take effect | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Pitt Meadows residents are being directed to use new grey boxes for their glass bottles and jars.
Now in effect, a few changes have been made to recycling services in Pitt Meadows.
On Monday, the City of Pitt Meadows transferred responsibility for providing recycling pick up to Multi-Material BC (MMBC).
MMBC has selected Smithrite Disposal Ltd. as its collection partner in Pitt Meadows.
Changes to recycling services include:
Placing glass bottles and jars in a new grey box, provided by MMBC
Setting recyclables at the curb by 7 a.m.
Residents' collection day may have changed, based on neighbourhood.
Amidst changes, MMBC announced the types of recyclable materials have stayed the same.
To see if your collection day has changed, or information on what can be recycled, check MMBC's Recycling Guide. | http://www.mrtimes.com/community/391760221.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/5d91a431e1e9e22f9bb66a8ffb9d1e556cfde224c6209d06efac34ccf59aae12.json |
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| 2016-08-26T12:58:46 | null | null | The Bruce James Orchestra performs a free outdoor concert Wednesday, Aug. 24 at Pitt Meadows’ Spirit Square. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fentertainment%2F390499851.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/73681mapleridgetimesBruceJamesOrchestra1c.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Summer jazz series coming to a close in Pitt Meadows | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | For the final time this summer, the Bruce James Orchestra performs a free outdoor concert. The concert takes place Wednesday, Aug. 24 from 7 to 9 p.m.
by Andrea Flello
The sound of big band and jazz music fills the air every Wednesday night in Pitt Meadows’ Spirit Square during the months of July and August.
Local residents come out to watch the local Big Band, the Bruce James Orchestra, as part of Pitt Meadows’ free Summer Serenade Concert Series.
The last opportunity to enjoy the weather backed by the best of Big Band jazz is next Wednesday, Aug. 24.
The Bruce James Orchestra plays from 7-9 p.m.
Visitors are urged to bring a lawn chair, some snacks, and friends and family to celebrate the summer, and to support live music in your community. | http://www.mrtimes.com/entertainment/390499851.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/35e500e16bb61dc07e69c729d9e60e8e58f2a7d0b9da023299620e5afd19fc72.json |
[
"Ashley Wadhwani"
]
| 2016-08-26T12:53:32 | null | null | Maple Ridge’s Madeline Merlo showcased her new album at Rockin’ River Fest. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fentertainment%2F389025181.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/38388mapleridgetimesMadeline5C.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | VIDEO: Maple Ridge's Merlo rocks Merritt | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Hundreds of festival attendees sang along to Honey Jack with Madeline Merlo as she showcased her new album this weekend at Merritt’s Rockin’ River Country Music Festival.
Off the stage, Merlo spent time with her mom, family, and friends after recently moving out of province and making Toronto her new home.
“I’m so stoked to be back in B.C.,” she said.
Merlo has been promoting her new album Free Soul all summer, a project that was two years in the making.
Since her album’s debut in April, Merlo said the response from fans “has been amazing.”
She told The TIMES she’s received messages and emails from fans who have listened to her single War Paint while a family member battles cancer, or gave them the courage to leave an abusive relationship.
During her set in Merritt Sunday evening, Merlo featured her most popular chart-makers, including a stripped down version of Sinking Like a Stone – one of her first recorded songs.
She said she wanted to perform it on stage like “how I used to play it” in coffee shops for the staff, and “take it back to that place,” two years ago.
Merlo also stepped away from the country-pop genre, and covered Say My Name by Destiny’s Child, as well as Twenty One Pilots’ Ride.
Last month the CCMA-nominated musician sang at the Calgary Stampede, and will be in Oro-Medonte, Ontario next weekend for the Boots and Hearts music festival. | http://www.mrtimes.com/entertainment/389025181.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/25d8bd21eca765e7a2f3f4f3997b207605d534546841b153375ad753cadc8748.json |
[
"Dan Ferguson"
]
| 2016-08-26T13:05:53 | null | null | Mother-and-daughter team bring experience and expertise in high-end fashion | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fbusiness%2F389208801.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/24223langley0729Bagheerastore.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Familiar faces at the new Bagheera Boutique in Fort Langley | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Karlene Bullock (left) and her mother Delores Johns have been working together for years. The pair have 30 years in the industry.
The new Bagheera Boutique in Fort Langley aims to fill the fashion gap created when Ella’s Clothes Closet in Brookswood closed by bringing back top European brands to Langley, with names such as Laurel, Luisa Cerano, Marc Cain, Wolford, Brax and Vince, along with local Canadian accessories like Suzi Roher scarves, and Vancouver’s Sheereen De Roussea jewelry.
It also brings back Karlene Bullock and her mother Delores Johns, who have dressed the Fraser Valley for over 30 years, the last 10 of them working as a team at Ella’s.
When Ella Little shut down her namesake shop on 200 Street and 40A Avenue just over a year ago, it left a large hole in the market, Bullock said.
“We used to have women coming from Langley, Maple Ridge, White Rock, Chilliwack and all over Vancouver, to shop, and all of a sudden there were no options.”
When the owners of the Victoria-based Bagheera Boutique, Nataliia Bahirova and Anton Solonnikov decided to open their second store in Langley, they reached out to Bullock and Johns after hearing Ella’s had closed.
“They know the market,” Solonnikov — Bagheera marketing manager — said of the mother-daughter team.
“They have a following from 30 years.”
Bullock said she has been flooded with phone calls and emails from people excited that the new boutique is carrying the same lines.
“We want to be the go-to place for shopping for all women in the Greater Vancouver area,” Bullock said.
“Fort Langley is such a beautiful and quaint place, and the perfect getaway for the weekend.”
Johns said service is the key to keep customers coming back.
“It has to be honest service,” Johns said.
“Honest and continuous.”
Johns has been known to do things like drive to Harrison Hot Springs to ensure a bow on a customer’s bridal dress was properly tied for her wedding ceremony.
“Mom’s good at sales, she is good at talking to the customers,” Bullock said.
“There is no one in the valley who can do displays like she does.”
Johns gives her daughter high marks for bringing in the best of fashion.
“She’s very good at the buying,” Johns said.
The Fort Langley Bagheera Boutique is located in the new Coulter Berry building at Glover Road and Mavis Avenue.
Solonnikov said the store doesn’t only cater to the high-end shoppers, but carries low- to medium-priced brands from Europe as well.
Store phone: 604-371-2879. | http://www.mrtimes.com/business/389208801.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/925d23f72ef91199e14b3bccbfc97075fcceb7552be24c73d2080ea875f2b863.json |
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| 2016-08-26T13:13:47 | null | null | Ridge Meadows’ bantam AA squad managed a respectable 2-2 record against some tough opposition in St. Albert, Alta. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fsports%2F390509191.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Ridge Meadows Royals impress at Western Canadians | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | After winning the Baseball BC provincial championships on their home field during the August long weekend, the Ridge Meadows bantam Royals won the right to represent their home province at the Western Canada Baseball Championships last weekend in St. Albert, Alberta.
While the team managed a 2-2 record, they lost out on a tie-breaker to Alberta for a chance to make the final game.
Despite this fact, they represented our province very well and capped off a tremendous season with a solid effort during the tournament.
The Westerns opened on Friday with a double-header, which saw the Royals open up against the Strathmore Reds (Team Alberta).
Darian Guemos got the start and was dominant on the hill, as he tossed a complete game shutout, allowing only three hits while striking out seven en route to a 5-0 win.
At the plate, Ryan Doyle (2-3, base on balls, two RBIs) and Nick Stroud (2-4, triple) led the way.
In the second game of the day, the boys from B.C. took on the Swift Current Indians (Team Saskatchewan).
Nick Baust got the start, and the team held a 7-2 lead at one point, but some costly defensive mistakes allowed the Indians to come back and the Royals ended up on the short end of a 11-7 loss.
With a 1-1 record after day one, the Royals knew that they had to win their game on Saturday to have a chance at playing in the final.
They jumped out to another early lead against the St. Albert Cardinals (host team) but again allowed their lead to disappear due to some defensive miscues.
This time, though, they were able to hold on for a 10-9 win to move to 2-1.
Richard French, a pick-up from Prince George, tossed five solid innings to pick up the win, allowing only two runs on three hits while walking four and striking out five.
Guemos went 3-4 with a double and an RBI, while Stroud was 1-1 with a pair of walks and three RBIs.
Heading in to Sunday, the Royals took on the first place Portage Phillies (Team Manitoba) who had a perfect 3-0 record. A win would either give the Royals a berth in the final, or at the very least, a chance to play in a tie-break game to advance to the final.
A loss, on the other hand, would place them at 2-2 and either eliminate them or possibly put them in a three-way tie for second place depending upon the results from the final round robin game.
In one of the best games of the tournament, the Royals came out on the losing end of a 3-1 decision to Portage.
The Royals’ Nick Baust threw a complete game for in a very gutsy effort. The game was scoreless after five innings but the Phillies were able to rally late to pick up the win.
After finishing with a record of 2-2, the Royals needed Team Alberta to beat Team Saskatchewan and for both teams to score at least six runs in order to advance to the final.
While Alberta did win the game, the final score was 7-1, which meant that Alberta would advance and Team BC was eliminated.
Team Manitoba won the Western championship title later Sunday evening, defeating Team Alberta 7-0.
The loss certainly does not take away from the tremendous season that the Bantam Royals put together.
After winning the BC Minor regular season title with a 28-4 record, they won the Valley of Champions tournament, lost in the semifinals of the BC Minor Provincials, and won the Baseball BC Provincial championship.
The team put together an overall record of 58-15-2, which is a remarkable improvement on last season’s record of 17-33-2. Th
is team played remarkable baseball throughout the season, and displayed its depth and strength in all areas of the game as they were able to bring a great deal of success to the program. Congratulations to the players and coaches on a tremendous season.
– From the Ridge Meadows Minor Baseball wesbite | http://www.mrtimes.com/sports/390509191.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/4f91ea8fa5694440dd0d9c090a05decbbc17bac8e0f8e1896ad3ad87822bd9ec.json |
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| 2016-08-30T00:51:47 | null | null | Coquitlam RCMP are asking for help to find Brandel Richard, 16. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fnews%2F391669661.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/52424mapleridgetimesBrandel.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Teen with Maple Ridge ties is missing | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Brandel Richards is missing, and might be in the Maple Ridge area.
A 16-year-old teen, with ties to Maple Ridge, was reported missing this afternoon.
Coquitlam RCMP are asking for the public's help to find Brandel Richard, last seen in Coquitlam on Sunday, Aug. 28.
Richard is described as a Caucasian male with sandy-brown short hair and brown eyes.
He is about 5 ft. 7 in. tall, and weighs about 175 lbs.
He was last seen wearing a grey/black plaid hoody, black Guns & Roses T-shirt, blue jeans, and a black backpack.
"Richard may also be n the in Maple Ridge area," according to Coquitlam RCMP.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2016-28697. | http://www.mrtimes.com/news/391669661.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/b7c38bbcbd751a4951e330f7c0a1f564fcd4e4819a1a03634c930da37bc29e04.json |
[
"Ashley Wadhwani"
]
| 2016-08-26T13:00:06 | null | null | Residents found a spot on the Port Haney wharf, set up their lawn chairs, and listened to the Siobhan Walsh Group in July. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fentertainment%2F389513431.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/18007mapleridgetimes13767357_862741140527515_4057013589181349085_o.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Music on the Wharf continues Monday in Maple Ridge | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Residents found a spot on the Port Haney wharf, set up their lawn chairs, and listened to the jazz sounds of the Siobhan Walsh Group earlier this month.
Residents found a spot on the Port Haney wharf, set up their lawn chairs, and listened to the jazz sounds of the Siobhan Walsh Group in July.
And after taking a short hiatus, Music on the Wharf is back tonight (Monday, Aug. 8), featuring Ben Klick – a country musician from Kelowna.
Hosted by the Maple Ridge Museum, twice in July, and twice in August on Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. the concert series features local and regional bands.
Can't make it tonight? The last show of the series is Aug. 22, starting at 7 p.m., and will feature rock 'n' roll band Wichita Trip.
For photos from last month's show, click here. | http://www.mrtimes.com/entertainment/389513431.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/7794d0f72582cc978481312877b1ed5b64f61d7e544aef4ff101f9bcf593205b.json |
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| 2016-08-26T13:12:41 | null | null | Ridge Meadows RCMP need help locating these individuals. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fnews%2F391342571.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/68809mapleridgetimesRCMPcrest1c.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Helping bust crime in Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows - Aug. 25, 2016 | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Ridge Meadows RCMP are looking for the following individuals.
The TIMES and local Mounties partner each week to bring readers the top four most sought individuals of the week.
Ridge Meadows RCMP is looking for the following people. If you see any of them, do not attempt to apprehend them.
Please contact the RCMP immediately by calling 604-463-6251 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The warrants attached to these individuals were still outstanding as of 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Remember: all of the listed people are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The police are looking for the people pictured below:
1. DUTRA, Robert Dean
Age: 31
Wanted in connection with file #2016-11983
Wanted for obstructing a peace officer.
2. FAVRETTO, Daniel Keith
Age: 32
Wanted in connection with file #2015-30918
Wanted for theft.
3. PAUL, Angela Denice
Age: 39
Wanted in connection with file #2016-128
Wanted for theft.
4. MARKILLIE, Daniel Joshua
Age: 32
Wanted in connection with file #2016-18101
Wanted for failing to comply with a probation order. | http://www.mrtimes.com/news/391342571.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/0b3f71106fbe2de9907966769114971532c017e7110b9c4f602f93f2bfdcef94.json |
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| 2016-08-26T13:07:01 | null | null | To commemorate three decades of serving this community, The TIMES team is opening its scrapbooks and offering a glimpse into the past. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F391311251.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/54138mapleridgetimesCapsuleC.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | TIMES Capsule: 1987: Pitt Meadows General Store saved | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | To commemorate three decades of serving this community, The TIMES team is opening its scrapbooks and offering a glimpse into the past.
To commemorate three decades of serving this community, The TIMES team is opening its scrapbooks and offering a glimpse into the past.
In this weekly feature, called TIMES Capsule, we take a look at a few of the bigger issues of this week in years gone by, and offer some insight into what moulded Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge in that time.
Pitt general store saved
On Aug. 25, 1987, Pitt Meadows residents could breathe a sigh of relief – City council announced the 100-year-old general store would be there to stay.
And, to make the decision more favourable, council members voted to keep the store safe another hundred years, by declaring the store a heritage site.
The decision came despite councillors’ concerns it would prevent them from widening Harris Road in the future.
Hockey player turns pizza chef
Former NHL player Glen Cochrane made headlines on Sept. 1, 1991 – but not for anything hockey related.
Cochrane, along with this wife and kids had recently celebrated a one-year anniversary of opening their Little Caesars restaurant.
“It’s exciting,” Cochrane said about his new career path.
“You’re involved in the community more. We’re more stable as a family – not moving around. This is great.”
Council seeks City cleanup
On Aug. 30, 1995, local politicians vowed to clean up Maple Ridge’s downtown core, following a drug-related shootout earlier in the month. The shootout involved three to five young men, a handgun, bat, and a sawed-off shotgun.
A committee, led by Councillor Franz Prokop,intended to revitalize the area of 226th Street and Dewdney Trunk Road, down to 227th Street and Selkirk Avenue, and the area in between. | http://www.mrtimes.com/community/391311251.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/9f7230f91ff7ff224a873afeff5b823f79b36637f38152936326566f9e772d25.json |
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| 2016-08-26T13:05:11 | null | null | Each week, TIMES readers are being invited to submit a suggested caption – factual or funny for a historic community picture. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fcommunity%2F391325011.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/62197mapleridgetimesMRMuseumP01433BW.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | WIN: Throwback Thursday contest for Aug. 25, 2016 | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Each week, TIMES readers are being invited to submit a suggested caption – factual or funny for a historic community picture.
Each week, TIMES readers are being invited to submit a suggested caption – factual or funny (family friendly and respectful, please) – for this historic community picture.
Click here to submit your entry for this week's Throwback Thursday contest
Give us your name, your phone number and email, which town you live in, and what you think the caption under this picture should read.
As mentioned, we'd love you to go to town. If you have factual information that could help to identify the subject matter in the picture, or you want to show off your whimsical side (again please remember this is a family-oriented newspaper, so keep it clean and respectful), either are welcome.
The deadline for submissions is 9 a.m. on Aug. 30, 2016 and preference is given to Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge residents.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW:
Winners are selected by random draw from all entries that month, and the gift certificate for dinner for two at GM Restaurant will be mailed out to the winner once contact has been established. The prize is awarded as is, and cannot be redeemed for cash.
Entrants must be 19 years of age or older.
The TIMES reserves the right to use any submissions in any of its promotion through print or online. We also reserve the right to reject entries deemed unsuitable, libelous, or otherwise objectionable.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW:
In the meantime, last week’s photo (inset) depicts a local picnic June 25, 1915.
This picture was made into a postcard, depicting a group of Pitt Meadows resident at an area park.
“The background looks familiar to images shot in what was Pearson(s) Park on Bonson Road in the 1920s, so I believe it may be the same area/park,” said museum curator Leslie Norman. | http://www.mrtimes.com/community/391325011.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/635387abad360ea5a375c4862702ff2e2ae19ab5819de29e1c92592093facf16.json |
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| 2016-08-26T13:10:20 | null | null | Some people consider how they might avoid probate fees upon their passing, says Pitt Meadows lawyer Janice Papp, but she advises caution. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Flifestyles%2F385068121.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | LEGAL BRIEFS: Problems could arise | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | by Janice Papp / Special to The TIMES
It is quite common for some of our aging population to consider how they might avoid probate fees upon their passing.
Specifically, clients will request that a child or children of theirs be added to the title of their home, or even bank account, as joint owners.
While this “may” result in less probate fees payable, it can create other problems.
An unintended and serious consequence of adding a child’s name to the title of a property, for example, is that the property could be subject to claims by creditors or ex-spouses of the child or children that were added to the title.
A trust declaration could provide proof that the child has no beneficial interest in the property.
Typically, when spouses decide to sell the property in which they reside, they are exempt from paying capital gains taxes.
If there is a transfer of a half-interest in your home to a child as a joint tenant, the result is a loss of the principal residence exemption of that half-interest transferred once the property is sold.
Another issue that arises when you add a child’s name to ownership of your home or other asset is the situation where that child asserts full ownership on the death of the parent(s) rather than acknowledge they are holding that asset in trust for the benefit of the other beneficiaries of the estate.
Once again, a trust declaration should be considered at the time the child’s name is added to the asset.
While adding a child’s name to an asset as a joint owner might achieve the desired result such as the avoidance of probate fees, it could end with many other unintended consequences.
The best strategy is to speak with your estate planning lawyer.
– Janice L. Papp is a lawyer with Pitt Meadows’ Becker & Company. She received her law degree from the University of Ottawa in 1986, and practised in Calgary for 24 years. In 2012, she moved to Chilliwack, and has been admitted to the Law Society of B.C. while continuing to be a member of the Law Society of Alberta. | http://www.mrtimes.com/lifestyles/385068121.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/3a3f9b04d11b2cb3817529016f46370b84cbe2bb02b3a841dff01d3faa284a4b.json |
[
"Canadian Press"
]
| 2016-08-29T18:51:39 | null | null | Stark posters warn of overdose dangers to be displayed at transit stops, bars and restaurants aimed at recreational drug users | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fnews%2F391622671.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | New Fraser Health poster campaign raises awareness of opioid overdoses | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | SURREY, B.C. – Fraser Health has launched a poster ad campaign bolstering its ongoing drive to raise awareness of what it says is the overdose crisis in British Columbia.
The posters will be displayed at transit stops, bars and restaurants, and are aimed at recreational and regular drug users, their families and friends.
One message on the stark, black and white posters says: "If you use drugs: Have a plan. Go slowly. Use with a buddy. Carry naloxone."
The posters also offer instructions for anyone finding an overdose victim, directing them to call 911, start emergency breathing and use naloxone, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Fraser Health says in a news release that it is confident about the effectiveness of the campaign because the posters were tested in focus groups of regular and recreational drug users.
In April, B.C.'s provincial health officer declared a public health emergency linked to the soaring number of opioid overdoses, and the declaration remains in effect.
Dr. Victoria Lee, Fraser Health's chief medical health officer, says the poster campaign is an extension of the health authority's ongoing public awareness campaign, but she says much more has been done to fight overdose deaths.
"We've created new substance-use beds to provide safe and supportive environments for people (who) require additional support on their road to recovery," Lee says in the release.
Over the last 12 to 18 months, Fraser Health has opened 50 new substance-use beds, including a three-bed program for youth and a 12-bed facility for women who are pregnant or have newborns.
A further 97 beds are slated to open by 2017 across the region, which stretches from Burnaby, through Surrey to White Rock and east to Hope.
The announcement of the poster campaign and the update on available substance-use beds comes as Fraser Health prepares to mark International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31.
The Canadian Press | http://www.mrtimes.com/news/391622671.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/d593f49b3d44d47c78f1a2247e763008396ffc26d10941c4f95aab2aef865c9b.json |
[
"Canadian Press"
]
| 2016-08-26T13:01:37 | null | null | Tragically Hip kick off tour's final show with fan favourites | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fentertainment%2F390816951.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Downie calls out to Trudeau during Tragically Hip's final show of tour | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | KINGSTON, Ont. — The Tragically Hip mixed fan favourites, newer songs and some politics on Saturday night during the final show of their "Man Machine Poem" tour.
Lead singer Gord Downie, who started the show wearing a metallic silver suit and hat with a "Jaws" T-shirt underneath, hugged and kissed his bandmates before they stepped on stage at the K-Rock Centre in the group's hometown of Kingston, Ont.
Minutes earlier, as the raucous sold-out crowd waited for the band to emerge, an impromptu rendition of O Canada broke out and a banner reading "Thank You Prime Minister Downie!" was passed around the arena.
The band immediately gave fans what they wanted to hear, starting their set with four straight hits from the classic album "Fully Completely:" opener "50 Mission Cap," followed by "Courage (for Hugh MacLennan)," "Wheat Kings" and "At the Hundredth Meridian."
The Hip then segued into their latest album "Man Machine Poem," with four tracks including the single "In a World Possessed by the Human Mind."
Before "Machine," Downie launched into one of his trademark onstage rants, calling out to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was in the crowd for the show. Trudeau's official photographer tweeted a photo of the prime minister and Downie embracing before the concert.
"Well, you know, prime minister Trudeau's got me, his work with First Nations. He's got everybody. He's going to take us where we need to go," Downie said from the stage.
"It's going to take us 100 years to figure out what the hell went on up there," he continued, "but it isn't cool and everybody knows that. It's really, really bad, but we're going to figure it out, you're going to figure it out."
Many anticipate this will be the band's final tour, given the recent news that Downie is battling terminal brain cancer.
Before performing the "Road Apples" song "Fiddler's Green," Downie seemed to reference the outpouring of support from fans in the wake of his diagnosis.
"Thank you, people, for keeping me pushing and keeping me pushing," he said, which prompted a "Gordie!" chant from the audience.
After playing 21 songs, Downie and his fellow bandmates — guitarists Rob Baker and Paul Langlois, bassist Gord Sinclair and drummer Johnny Fay — embraced and prepared to retire for a pre-encore break. Downie was left alone on stage to take in the roaring ovation.
After returning for a few more songs, Downie again spoke about his fondness for Trudeau.
"Thank you to the prime minister for coming to our show, it really means a lot to all of us," he said.
"We're in good hands, folks, real good hands. He cares about the people way up North, that we were trained our entire lives to ignore, trained our entire lives to hear not a word of what's going on up there. And what's going on up there ain't good. It's maybe worse than it's ever been, so it's not on the improve. (But) we're going to get it fixed and we got the guy to do it, to start, to help.
"Thank you everybody. Thanks for listening to that. Thanks for listening, period. Have a nice life."
David Friend, The Canadian Press | http://www.mrtimes.com/entertainment/390816951.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/4dc3d1f570b8de8505af6fca047bd9f0f47d1ed01cb66dc93c23dd278af44150.json |
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| 2016-08-26T13:11:16 | null | null | TIMES columnist Tim Tyler offers his views on the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre and the realization that 'crap happens.' | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fopinion%2F391329271.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/63668mapleridgetimes160226TylerTimCx.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | RUSKIN REDUX: Old Maple Ridge pool still dandy | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | by Tim Tyler
Special to The TIMES
To the folks who have been casting aspersions on the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre following a one-day closure due to a hygiene incident, I have two words for you: “crap happens.”
Some kid can’t make it to the washroom or a diaper breaks – so, it is clear the pool so a junior lifeguard can take the net and remove the offending material, after which they close it down for a day to allow things to return to normal.
This occurs several times a year, but to go on a rant about the gross and disgusting conditions is a bit of an overreaction.
I have been going to the leisure centre for 25 years, and have never contracted a rash, a sore, or an illness.
The change rooms can get a tad wet and messy, which will happen when kids – primarily – do not obey the rules, and flail towels and wet swim suits about.
I find the dressing rooms and the washrooms reasonably clean, considering the traffic.
I find leisure centre staff polite and accommodating, lifeguards extremely competent, and maintenance staff hard working and diligent.
This is a wonderful place to work out or relax in the hot tub, steam room, or sauna. It is a 35-year-old facility that needs upkeep and repair certainly, but one that meets the needs of its clients.
I would not live anywhere that did not have such a facility.
You don’t like it, take yourself to a private facility where you will often pay more for less.
– Editor’s Note: Just after penning this column, Tyler heard of another apparently incident at the pool. “Maybe they should ban these kids who can’t control their bowels,” he quipped. | http://www.mrtimes.com/opinion/391329271.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/99d379db26495b686717e0bcad6b2897ddd00d39366dc364107c28ad519b60e4.json |
[
"Ashley Wadhwani"
]
| 2016-08-31T04:52:03 | null | null | A fistful of environmentalists are refusing this week to back down from their decade-long fight to preserve farmland in West Maple Ridge. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fnews%2F391824511.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/29829mapleridgetimesPeltonLand2C.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Local activists fight to preserve farmland in Maple Ridge | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Rose Grabenhorst, Michael Sather, Ruona Asplund, Diana and Dennis Williams, and Annette LeBox are voicing their opposition against excluding Pelton land from the Agricultural Land Reserve.
A fistful of environmentalists, lead by local author and advocate Annette LeBox, are refusing this week to back down from their decade-long fight to preserve farmland in West Maple Ridge.
For more than 10 years now, this group has been lobbying against the development of 200 acres of “prime” agricultural land in West Maple Ridge. And they vocalized their opposition again this week, when Maple Ridge council heard another request to remove the formerly Pelton Reforestation Nursery from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).
They want it protected from industrial development, LeBox said, and the only way to ensure that is to keep it in the ALR, she said.
During a council workshop Monday, Maple Ridge Mayor Nicole Read and councillors voted unanimously in favour of the Aquilini Investment Group seek public input on their proposal.
In September 2015, the Aquilini group bought the Pelton land and old greenhouses, located near 203rd Street, just north of Golden Ears Way.
Then, in June of this year, Aquilini asked council to support the ALR exclusion.
This week, council ordered them to host a public consultation with local residents, to hear their thoughts about excluding the land from the ALR.
LeBox fears if council forwards the application to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) with their support, then it will only be a matter of time before neighbouring land owners apply for exclusion, too.
“We have to put a line in the sand – and the Pelton property is our land in the sand,” she said.
LeBox and the other opponents have launched a petition – a strategy not new to LeBox.
“We have had a lot of success historically in preserving our farmland,” she told The TIMES.
In 2010, when the same property was considered for development – that time by the Peltons – LeBox and other local residents collected 2,308 signatures in opposition.
Council supported the application, and forwarded it to the ALC, which in turn refused the proposal on the grounds that the land was still appropriate for farming.
In Monday’s report to council, staff said little had changed since the last application, and that the provincial staff still felt the land was suitable for farming.
Despite the staff report, the fight is certainly not over for LeBox and others, she said.
“I hate this situation,” she continued. “We’ve been down this road before...”
Since introducing this most recent petition, they’ve received more than 1,200 signatures from local residents.
“The idea of paving over agricultural land in the era of climate change, when it’s going to have a great affect on our food supply, is such backward thinking,” LeBox explained.
Removal of this land will set a precedent for development of neighbouring farms, LeBox added.
In their proposal, the Aquilini group said they’d agree to a “greater than one-to-one trade,” meaning for every acre that was excluded from the land reserve, the group would put more than one acre back in, from another property.
Still, “once we start putting warehouses up – you not only lose the ability to grow food, you also lose beauty and nature,” LeBox explained.
Hotel and film studio proposed
Monday’s discussion shifted from being about the environmental components of the application, to more about local job creation.
Aquilini suggests using the land to build a 15-studio complex, a hotel, and a film production studio, according to staff.
Through an economic analysis, the group reported that “500 direct or indirect construction jobs” would be created.
Similarly, they estimated “3,300 well-paying jobs” would be available once the amenities were open.
The group also estimated that the City would see an increase of $10-million in property taxes annually.
The conversation needed is not just about the Pelton property, but about job creation that’s “badly needed in this community,” Read said.
The reality, Read noted, is that many community members want reductions in residential property taxes and jobs closer to home.
There’s “not a lot of locations in this community for the kinds of job creation the community wants,” she added. Last time the ALC refused the Pelton proposal, the commission pointed to job creation options in the industrial development around 256th Street.
Read argued that companies wouldn’t be interested in that remote location, finding the Aquilini site more central and desirable.
“[The] community thinks there’s unending options of land for job creation – that’s not the reality,” she said.
“This isn’t just a conversation about Pelton, this is about converting agricultural land into employment land.”
Councillor Bob Masse agreed that residents driving hours to and from other cities for work often translates to unneeded stress into the home.
Similarly, greenhouse gas emissions are “steadily rising” due to commuting, he added, also questioned if 3,300 new jobs was a realistic estimate.
A community consensus is needed, Masse said, before a decision should be made.
Councillor Craig Speirs said he’d support the proposal if it included “a lot of farming on this property.” He noted the neighbouring properties are being actively farmed.
“There’s nothing wrong with the land, [it’s] just needing tender love and care,” Speirs added.
Stating her opposition to the application, Councillor Kiersten Duncan said she couldn’t ignore the environmental factors on the table.
“It is good soil,” she said about the land.
Duncan noted this was the third time a proposal for the same land has been brought to council, and questioned why council is even reconsidering the application.
“I think it’s ridiculous that we’re still discussing this,” she said. “It’s incredibly clear the community doesn’t support this.”
Duncan appreciated Aquilini’s consideration to put land back into the reserve, but was concerned the quality of swapped land would not equal that of the Pelton property.
“It’s not something you can guarantee... [it] makes me uncomfortable,” she added.
In the end, council (including Read) voted unanimously in favour of Aquilini holdng the public consultation. Councillors Tyler Shymkiw and Corisa Bell were not present. | http://www.mrtimes.com/news/391824511.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/bd75bba38eeaff948d77706af11b75a4f20a8b959f1d278102160ffe2028d286.json |
[]
| 2016-08-26T13:09:48 | null | null | Instagram Stories are Facebook’s response to the runaway popularity of Snapchat. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Flifestyles%2F389808871.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/42239mapleridgetimesMcLeod-Vickicx.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | SOCIAL CHICKS: Instagram Stories - What You Need To Know | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | by Vicki McLeod / Special to The TIMES
In early August, Instagram launched Instagram Stories. Instagram Stories are Facebook’s response to the runaway popularity of Snapchat. (Facebook owns Instagram and is adept at poaching favourite elements from the competition to add to its ever-growing suite of features).
If you are not familiar with Snapchat, it is a mobile app that allows users to send and receive “self-destructing” photos and videos. Photos and videos taken with the app are called Snaps. One of its features is being able to capture Snaps – short videos or pictures – in a 24-hour story cycle. Yes, they disappear, but they provide an intimate, back stage view of the people, places or brands you love. Once considered only the domain of the youngest of the online demographic, Snapchat has had huge mainstream uptake recently.
Here’s the thing about Snapchat, though. It’s not intuitive. It’s a difficult platform to master, and building an online community or audience there is a real challenge. Enter, Instagram Stories.
Instagram Stories offer the same 24-hr story cycle, via ten-second video clips, or photographs, along with the ability to caption, decorate, and save the clips and pics, but in a much simpler and more elegant user experience.
Instagram (IG) is known for its simple feed, and beautiful images capturing people, moments and experiences. IG is a personal favourite of mine, because of this simple and (mostly) beautiful and uncluttered feed.
Instagram Stories offers your followers a way to see behind-the-scenes, and to engage with you or your brand on a daily basis, and in a really personal way. Because the stories don’t appear in your regular feed, you can post as much as you like throughout the day without worrying about overposting.
A key challenge is maintaining the consistency of your message and brand with the new tool. It is fun to play with and I predict it will be a powerful marketing platform, but if you are using Instagram for business you will want to be sure you have a focused content plan for Stories that is congruent with your brand identity.
Sue B. Zimmerman, the leading Instagram expert, warns that you will lose followers if you depart from what is currently working for you on IG. You will want to ensure your live Stories complement your existing feed.
Canada’s favourite geek, Steve Dotto, offers an excellent early look at the new feature, including what you need to know to start creating great stories. You can watch Steve’s video tutorial here. https://youtu.be/734ktejCOdo
In the tutorial, Steve interviews Zimmerman who provides some ninja tips that will have you using Instagram Stories like a pro. I recommend you follow both Steve and Sue to stay at the forefront as new tricks emerge. You can follow my Stories at @vickimcleod and get an insiders peek behind the scenes at our local headquarters.
Vicki McLeod is a Maple Ridge Social Chick and a business and personal coach and consultant. She will be featured on stage at Digital.Camp in October and is the author of #UNTRENDING – A Field Guide to Social Media That Matters. She is happy to answer your social media or business questions. Find her at www.mainstreetcommunications.ca. | http://www.mrtimes.com/lifestyles/389808871.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/c6e233adeb8e41eb24ae4ad3475e27b7cc4b248cadae0bb8af79450447e08d1f.json |
[
"Roxanne Hooper"
]
| 2016-08-26T13:03:24 | null | null | As of Monday, the business advocacy organization will be relocating back to Maple Ridge. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fbusiness%2F391319331.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/59233mapleridgetimesChamber.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Chamber of commerces moves from Pitt Meadows back to Maple Ridge | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | As of Monday, the Chamber of Commerce Serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows will be relocating – again. This time moving to a central location in West Maple Ridge.
As of next week the local chamber of commerce will have moved into new digs.
After a few years working out of Pitt Meadows, the Chamber of Commerce Serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows is moving back to Maple Ridge, announced chamber executive director Andrea Madden.
The move takes effect Monday, Aug. 29 with the chamber relocating to what Madden describes as "a more comfortable and spacious office."
The chamber operated for many years, first serving just Maple Ridge and then later Pitt Meadows, as well, out of a modular building at 223rd Street and Lougheed Highway. That 30-year-old dilapidated old building was no longer safe for occupancy and was torn down in summer of 2013. In the meantime, the chamber relocated to the former Pitt Meadows chamber-turned tourism building on Harris Road in Pitt Meadows and has been there ever since.
Madden described it as a much more central location, in West Maple Ridge.
The new chamber office will be beside Maple Ridge Transmission and across the street from Safeway and Tim Horton's in the 20200 block of the main highway (#6-20214 Lougheed Hwy.).
The chamber telephone number, however, remains the same: 604-457-4599. | http://www.mrtimes.com/business/391319331.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/56f80acb211290b8c67f137a2310be3dc2db4264daa743f81c17fe9b30cf15dc.json |
[
"Kathy Booth"
]
| 2016-08-26T13:09:59 | null | null | Kathy Booth writes about early childhood development, and the work being done in Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and with Katzie First Nation | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Flifestyles%2F388571111.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/52072mapleridgetimesBooth-Kathycx.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | STARTING EARLY: Life through new eyes | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | As I write this, the sun is still shining on an idyllic summer afternoon.
A slight breeze wafts across the garden, and, for the first time in what seems like weeks, there’s no rain in sight.
I’m out in the yard almost daily. Sometimes I hang around in the garden, pretending to weed, but, more often, I work on my laptop in a covered area. We call it the outdoor office, but it’s really just a re-purposed carport.
Most of my time outside is busy time, relegated to some sort of chore.
Today was different. I took our seven-month-old grandson outside, along with a large blanket, a stainless steel mixing bowl, wooden blocks and a couple of rattles.
For all of 10 minutes, I watched as he emptied the bowl, investigating each item intently with hands and mouth, and checking out how a steel bowl echoes when hit with a wooden block.
And then, he turned his attention to just being outside.
He crawled over to the edge of the blanket, and pulled at the grass.
Occasionally, I’ve wished I could see through someone else’s eyes; see how they view the world.
Today, as I put down my reading (more busy work), I felt as if I came close to getting my wish.
He examined with patience and concentration the handful of grass he had pulled up, before finally, while wiggling his fingers, he watched it float away.
For a few more handfuls, he alternated between trying to eat the grass and watching it drop to the ground.
I’ve never really appreciated the sound of a dried up leaf being crumbled until I saw how fascinated the little guy was with such a simple act.
When he was ready to move on, we lay on our backs and looked up at the magnolia leaves dancing in the wind.
Every sound – the wind in the leaves, the jet overhead, the kids playing down the street, the bees in the garden – caught his attention.
I realized how little I use my senses, in comparison.
Watching him reminded me of all the time we spent outside when his mom and aunties were young.
They didn’t need toys or technology to amuse them when they were out in the yard or at the park.
And we didn’t need research to tell us that spending time outside increased their creativity, curiosity, attention span, and problem-solving ability.
Just watching how they explored and played was enough.
For all of us, kids and adults alike, time spent with nature helps decrease stress.
I know I sure felt relaxed after letting go of being busy, and instead, hanging out with the Zen baby.
To top it off, outdoor play and exploration is free. All it takes is for adults to put down the cell phones, relax, and just enjoy being with the kids while they dawdle along in the back yard or neighbourhood park and examine whatever grabs their attention.
Today was a great reminder.
For information on programs and resources for families with young children, follow the Ridge Meadows Early Childhood Development Committee on Facebook or Twitter, and check out the website at www.ridgemeadowsecd.ca. | http://www.mrtimes.com/lifestyles/388571111.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/5f18b507f4c172813efe9a1d7f0ee79bdf0f3228fc70299203877622907da1b1.json |
[
"Troy Landreville"
]
| 2016-08-26T13:13:17 | null | null | The community’s senior A lacrosse team has a crack at the league playoff title. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fsports%2F390962611.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/4073mapleridgetimesburrardsvsshamrocks6c.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Maple Ridge Burrards mission: smash Victoria Shamrocks in WLA final | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | On June 12, the last time the Maple Ridge Burrards took on the Victoria Shamrocks at Planet Ice, the Shamrocks came away with a 12-10 victory.
It took a few days for the Maple Ridge Burrards to find out, but they now know who their dance partner will be in the Western Lacrosse Association championship series.
The Burrards are facing the Victoria Shamrocks in the best-of-seven set which will not only decide the WLA champions, but also who will represent the west in the Mann Cup senior A national series against the Ontario titleholders.
Maple Ridge will be looking for redemption from 2014, when the Shamrocks upended the Burrards in five games to capture the league playoff title.
Fast forward to this month, and the Burrards finished off the New Westminster Salmonbellies in five games in their best-of-seven WLA semifinal.
The B’s ended the series Aug. 17 with an 11-10 win over the ’Bellies at New West’s Queen’s Park Arena.
Meanwhile, the other semifinal pitting the Shamrocks against the Burnaby Lakers went the full seven, with Victoria winning the decisive match-up 14-11 Sunday at Victoria’s Q Center.
The championship series between the Burrards and Shamrocks began last night (Aug. 24) at The Q Center. The game got underway after The TIMES went to press Wednesday afternoon.
The series continues tomorrow night (Aug. 26) at Planet Ice, with a 6 p.m. game time.
It shifts back to Victoria for game three on Sunday, and the teams return to Planet Ice Tuesday for game four, starting at 7:45 p.m.
If necessary, the series will continue Wednesday, Aug. 31 in Victoria, Friday Sept. 2 in Maple Ridge, and Sunday, Sept. 4 in Victoria.
The series pits the WLA regular season frontrunners, the Shamrocks (14-4) against a Burrards team that ended up third in the standings with an 11-6-1 mark.
The Shamrocks and Burrards played each other three times during the regular season, with Maple Ridge winning their first meeting (12-10 in overtime back June 3) and Victoria taking the next two (12-10 June 12 and 14-8 July 15).
Bye, bye, ’Bellies
While the Burrards downed the Salmonbellies four games to one in their best of seven series, each contest was extremely tight.
Three of the five games were decided by just one goal, and the only decisive win for the Burrards was their 13-9 triumph over the Salmonbellies in the series opener at Queen’s Park on Aug. 9.
In the fifth and ultimately deciding game, the Burrards made the most of their opportunities by finding the net 11 times on 32 shots.
Maple Ridge’s Ben McIntosh snapped a 10-10 tie with the game, and series, winner at the 10:41 mark of the third period.
Fittingly, the game was close throughout, with no more than two goals separating the two teams from start to finish.
McIntosh and Matt Symes each scored twice for the Burrards, who got singles from Connor Goodwin (who added four assists and was named the game’s first star), Dan Taylor, Riley Loewen, Luke Gillespie, Jarrett Davis, Owen Barker, and Aaron Davis.
Mitch Jones scored a hat trick and added two assists for the Salmonbellies in a losing effort.
The series win for the Burrards could be categorized as a bit of an upset, based on the teams’ regular seasono records.
The Salmonbellies finished second in the WLA standings with a 12-4-2 record, with the Burrards ending up third at 11-6-1. | http://www.mrtimes.com/sports/390962611.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/f23dd317c4d86b4927727d8d0cf31a691eda0eac7b09f1a94f933d2b6123d517.json |
[
"Ashley Wadhwani"
]
| 2016-08-27T16:50:59 | null | null | Lester Harmes wants to see more done to prevent pedestrian fatalities on the Haney Bypass. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrtimes.com%2Fnews%2F391496331.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/54452mapleridgetimesDSC_7077.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Senior threatens picket on Haney Bypass | null | null | www.mrtimes.com | Lester Harmes wants to see a crosswalk and more lights on the Haney Bypass.
Lester Harmes wants to see more done to prevent pedestrian fatalities on the Haney Bypass, and will literally stop traffic to make himself heard.
Harmes’ friend, whose name has not been released by BC Coroners Services, was riding his mobility scooter across the roadway when he was struck by a pickup truck on Aug. 15.
Harmes, who also relies on a mobility scooter to get around, was with his friend at the Port Haney Wharf earlier that day, he told The TIMES.
When the two went their separate ways to go home, Harmes said he went through the tunnel which runs underneath the bypass and connects River Road to 224th Street.
Meanwhile, police said Harmes' friend was believed to be crossing the bypass near Callaghan Avenue when he was hit in an area with no crosswalk.
Harmes pointed out there are two crosswalks near the bypass, the first on Lougheed Highway and 222nd Street, where the highway merges onto the bypass; and the second where the bypass merges back onto Lougheed near Kanaka Way – about 2.5 kilometres apart.
Sidewalks are intermittent along the bypass. But even if there was a continuous sidewalk, he said, he worries about safety concerns surrounding speeding.
Harmes has a solution, though – one that would give pedestrians a safe place to cross, and slow down traffic.
He wants to see a crosswalk installed, as well as a second set of lights.
The bypass has been the scene of many serious crashes in recent years. Including a fatal right near this location on Mother’s Day 2015. In that case, a young man was recently charged.
"How many lives is it going to take?" Harmes asked.
Harmes said he’s contacted the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure with his concerns, but won’t be pushed to the side.
Harmes plans to drive his scooter into the middle of the bypass, and demand action to be made, he explained.
“It’s a bad stretch of highway,” he said. “But if that’s what it takes.”
Harmes' friend was 74 years old when he died – one year older than Harmes.
"He was such a nice guy," he recalled. | http://www.mrtimes.com/news/391496331.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.mrtimes.com/0d632c4112c7eb9421ce6d1c3f818eec4575f9dcc1f9c87a35e347bb8fac3819.json |
[
"Dave Harris"
]
| 2016-08-26T12:56:42 | null | 2016-07-24T19:14:00 | The Point Roberts Taxpayers’ Association will welcome Vicki Huntington, member of the legislative assembly for South Delta, as the keynote speaker at its annual | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F06%2F24%2Ftaxpayers-association-agm-features-vicki-huntington%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Taxpayers’ association AGM features Vicki Huntington | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | The Point Roberts Taxpayers’ Association will welcome Vicki Huntington, member of the legislative assembly for South Delta, as the keynote speaker at its annual general meeting.
The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 27 in the banquet room above the Compass Rose restaurant at the Point Roberts Marina, with the social hour beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the keynote speech to follow at 6 p.m.
“She was very supportive of the Coalition to Stop the Towers and she has expressed an interest in having a continued cross-border relationship on issues that Tsawwassen and Point Roberts share,” said association board member Mark Robbins about selecting Huntington as this year’s speaker.
Following the keynote speaker there will be a report on the association’s activities over the last year and election of officers. Three regular positions on the board and four alternate positions are up for election. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/06/24/taxpayers-association-agm-features-vicki-huntington/ | en | 2016-07-24T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/9600d79735f83ab966691fc352c6ab5747f5dfb7b47e3a28fca9602567aa9de6.json |
[
"Say What"
]
| 2016-08-26T12:51:29 | null | 2016-08-10T19:27:00 | By Meg Olson The Lighthouse Marine Park dock might get a month in the water this year, if ongoing delays to fixing the failed dock are resolved in coming | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F07%2F29%2Fdock-delays-continue-without-end%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Dock delays continue without end | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | By Meg Olson
The Lighthouse Marine Park dock might get a month in the water this year, if ongoing delays to fixing the failed dock are resolved in coming weeks.
The dock failed last summer after only a month in service under moderate sea conditions and the county, the manufacturer and the design engineer are sharing the cost of fixing the problem.
The dock was originally scheduled to be repaired and reinstalled in June, but the project has been bedeviled by delays in material deliveries and the need for further modifications to the docks to ensure they don’t fail again.
“I think I’ve tackled the few remaining issues on this project,” said Rod Lamb, design and development supervisor for Whatcom County Parks and Recreation. “We had to make a modification to one of the salvaged parts off the old dock. It’s a small modification and the manufacturer will cover the cost with a local fabricator.”
Lamb said their intention was to install the dock in the first weeks of August. It will come back out for the winter in mid September.
In other county parks news, Lamb said the current assessment of the Cedar Point entrance to the Lily Point Marine Park was that the area has stabilized and was not in danger of further sliding at this time.
“There will be a staff evaluation this fall to look at several fixes,” he said. “It’s an important access and it’s our intention to preserve it, but there may be property line issues.”
The Cedar Point entrance has been closed since last November after erosion due to surface water flow caused a tree to topple into the gully. The tree’s root structure extended under part of the trail raising the possibility of further collapse. The trail would require rerouting around the weakened area while the seasonal water flow would need to be mitigated in some fashion to prevent or limit further erosion.
As it stands now, a number of large cedars are precariously perched on the edge of the gully in danger of collapse and pulling more of the upland into the gully with them.
During the rainy season, there is significant surface runoff into the gully that undermines soil stability. A number of homeowners along the east bluff have installed downpipes to control runoff; the county may need to follow suit in order to retain the Cedar Point access to the Lily Point trail system. Even though the trail is marked closed with signage and tape, the entrance continues to be frequently used by cyclists and walkers.
The Point Roberts Taxpayers Association has expressed its concern that the entrance needs to be preserved. “We tend to lose things like a separate entrance to the park. One way or another, the county should find a way to maintain that entrance. Once they get the dock completed, they should work on restoring the trail,” said association president Mark Robbins in a March board meeting.
Referring to the storm water that is causing erosion to the gully, committee member Pat Harper said it was the county’s responsibility to control drainage. The board agreed to follow up with county personnel and keep the issue on the front burner.
After the trail entrance was closed, county parks management said they would consider options at the end of the rainy season.
“We’re letting it kind of stabilize,” county parks director Michael McFarlane said back in February. “The game plan is to wait until the end of the rainy season and play it by ear. If rains bring about further erosion, it will influence what is possible in terms of reconnecting the trail, from rerouting it to spanning the gully. We don’t have a lot of property there,” McFarlane said. “We may end it altogether.”
Given that the rainy season has long ended and that fall is typically when the rains begin again, anxious trail users might expect another year of inaction on the trailhead. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/07/29/dock-delays-continue-without-end/ | en | 2016-08-10T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/5f6dcd7090de99fc5cf759bd1d12267bbe6928f29c85c894ab791d971b4f8ee3.json |
[
"West End Bob"
]
| 2016-08-26T12:53:35 | null | 2016-08-19T02:46:00 | Congresswoman Suzan DelBene visited Point Roberts on Wednesday and spent an hour updating local residents on her work in Washington, D.C. and getting feedback | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F18%2Fcongresswoman-checks-in-with-point-roberts%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Congresswoman checks in with Point Roberts | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | Congresswoman Suzan DelBene visited Point Roberts on Wednesday and spent an hour updating local residents on her work in Washington, D.C. and getting feedback to take with her as she heads back in September.
“The focus this session will really be on keeping the government funded,” she said at the August 17 town hall meeting hosted by the Point Roberts Taxpayers Association. “We haven’t passed a budget this year. I don’t expect a lot of things to move before the election. This is unfortunately a very contentious election cycle and even things both sides agree on may not move.”
DelBene congratulated the Point Roberts community for their successful efforts to stop a proposed radio tower project, which had been a focus of her last visit to the Point, and several audience members asked her to continue to support cross-border efforts. “We couldn’t have done it without the Canadians, both citizens and politicians,” said Arthur Reber, member of the Cross Border Coalition to Stop the Towers. He asked DelBene to work with British Columbia legislative assembly member Vicki Huntington to address issues of pollution and over-industrialization in Delta that will have impacts south of the border.
DelBene said she participates in the Northern Border Coalition which “provides a forum for us to work together with our colleagues across the border.” When asked if there had been any investigation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about the possible impacts that a proposed expansion of the Deltaport facility could have in Point Roberts and on the habitats that support the Pacific Flyway, DelBene said she would inquire and share that information with the community.
Jim MacKay, Point Roberts Marina project coordinator, said the company was hampered by its inability to hire Canadians for non-management positions, as had been possible under a visa waiver program created specifically for Point Roberts and discontinued when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took over running the port of entry from the Immigration and Naturalization Service. “We can’t be more than 70 percent productive because we can’t get staff,” he said.
DelBene said she had discussed the issue with DHS staff, who said they don’t feel they have the flexibility to put port-specific solutions in place without legislative direction. “We’re working on what opportunities there might be and what legislative solutions we can come up with that would be more targeted to this specific issue and not part of comprehensive immigration reform,” she said. “I know it’s very important to the economy and local business issues.”
From a more welcoming attitude in the booth to flexibility with length of stay in the U.S., audience members wanted the port of entry to be less of a barrier to people and dollars coming to the Point. “Our economy right now is based on Canadians coming down here and right now they’re not coming down because they’re being scared away by this rule about how many days you can stay,” said local contractor Bob Jewell. “That may be another unique issue to Point Roberts that will need a solution that is more targeted,” DelBene said, pointing out current DHS policies are written for all the nation’s borders.
Reber said new port director George Gibson was actively working to engage the community and try to develop solutions within his agency’s mandate. “If you have a problem, pull over and go talk to him,” he said.
A general discussion about trade policies led to questions about how changes to those policies could keep good jobs in local communities. “My kids would like to make a home here but they also want a good-paying job,” said one audience member. “We have grain going up to Canada, we have coal going up to Canada. Those should be jobs for Americans.”
“We need to make sure our ports are on an equal playing field,” DelBene agreed. “We have port capacity that isn’t being used.”
DelBene encouraged audience members to contact her office with any concerns or issues they may want assistance with. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/18/congresswoman-checks-in-with-point-roberts/ | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/3cd2390b181331527ea2dda3e6b62dcdc71f1c95d2c374d84a6715d7e9752df2.json |
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| 2016-08-26T12:49:50 | null | 2016-08-04T22:38:00 | By Meg Olson When Vicki Huntington came to speak at the Point Roberts Taxpayers’ Association annual general meeting, she came with a plea. “The Cross | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F03%2Fb-c-assembly-member-discusses-threat-to-migratory-flyway%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | B.C. Assembly member discusses threat to migratory flyway and impact on Point Roberts | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | By Meg Olson
When Vicki Huntington came to speak at the Point Roberts Taxpayers’ Association annual general meeting, she came with a plea.
“The Cross Border Coalition to Stop the Towers was an amazing exercise in citizen power,” Huntington, Member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly for South Delta told guests at the July 27 meeting, and she said citizen power is needed for another, larger issue. “This whole area is under threat, big threat right now and we are at a crossroads as citizens. Either we are going to try and protect and save what’s left of the migratory bird flyway or we’re going to watch it disappear.”
Huntington’s presentation, “The Great Migration: Love it or Lose it,” was a sobering catalog of the increasing industrialization and development in South Delta and in the Fraser River Estuary in general, which is eliminating critical habitat for migratory birds.
“The estuary is an ecosystem of its own and it is the primary stop for the migratory flyway on the west coast of North America,” she said. “It is an ecosystem that supports millions of birds.”
Snow geese, swans, widgeons, mallards and other waterfowl winter in our region and summer in the high arctic, she said. Flocks of dunlins and other shorebirds, including the world’s entire population of the western sandpiper, rely on the habitat of the Fraser estuary. “Delta has the highest concentration of raptors in Canada,” she said, including snowy owls.
The area has been recognized as critical habitat, with almost 21,000 hectares designated as a wetland of international significance under the Convention on Wetlands, known as the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental environmental treaty established in 1971 under UNESCO. The Fraser River Estuary, specifically Boundary Bay, Roberts Bank and Sturgeon Bank, are designated an Important Bird Area under a global initiative of BirdLife International in partnership with the Audubon Society.
Huntington said in the last 20 years development has steadily encroached on critical habitat and if the trend isn’t changed, that habitat loss could spell the collapse of the migratory flyway.
The Boundary Bay Airport, previously designated for light aircraft industrial uses has become “fully industrialized” with large distribution facilities either built or planned. Greenhouses continue to proliferate, now covering 150 acres in South Delta. “What we see here is a component of East Delta that 15 years ago was vital habitat and is now essentially gone,” Huntington said.
A proposed second terminal at Delta Port, which would add another terminal on a rock foundation at Roberts Bank, would double the capacity of the container port. Open land owned by B.C. Rail would be converted to an intermodal yard to serve the expanded port. Huntington described plans for the area as the development of an “industrial triangle on what are now primarily agricultural lands.”
Rapid development on Tsawwassen First Nations land is adding to the disappearance of habitat. “Tsawwassen First Nation is putting 4,000 homes on that land in addition to what I think will be a casino and the mall,” Huntington said.
The threat to the migratory flyway is an international issue, Huntington said, and she hopes residents south of the border call on their members of congress to look at an international migratory bird treaty. A second terminal at Delta Port would directly impact Point Roberts. “I don’t know if you’ve seen a change in your beach on the west side, because the hydrology of the area has changed,” she said, which would be exacerbated by an expansion of port facilities. “I don’t understand why the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S. haven’t been more interested.”
Audience member Arthur Reber said the open public forum with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, to be held Wednesday, August 17 from 3:30 to 4:30 at the community center, would provide an opportunity for Point Roberts residents to bring up their concerns, specifically about the proposed port expansion. “The impact on the Point is significant,” he said. “Our shoreline is changing.” Other audience members voiced concerns about the impact additional vessel traffic would have on air quality.
Huntington said reining in development in the Fraser estuary to find a balance between economic growth and environmental health was a cross-border issue. “We’re up against forces that are very real, very large and have all the money and influence,” she said. “It’s like starting on the tower battle, only some of us have been at this battle for a long time.” | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/03/b-c-assembly-member-discusses-threat-to-migratory-flyway/ | en | 2016-08-04T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/c1c6ae3e7463828f395987fb86a476b64be06e223956db1ecc51e06934bc8572.json |
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| 2016-08-26T12:53:04 | null | 2016-08-11T00:00:00 | The Cottages at Seabright Farm received its final plat approval by Whatcom County on August 8, meaning individual lots have been recorded as separate legal | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F11%2Fcottages-at-seabright-farms-moves-toward-construction%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Cottages at Seabright Farm moves toward construction | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | The Cottages at Seabright Farm received its final plat approval by Whatcom County on August 8, meaning individual lots have been recorded as separate legal parcels. The development now has the ability to close lot sales with owners being then free to obtain building permits and begin construction.
According to a press release issued by the Orca Shores partnership, a number of lots are either “already reserved or contracted for immediate sale, and on those, we will be able to move rapidly towards the start of cottage construction.”
All lots are fully serviced with all utilities including water, septic, electrical and DSL internet service. Developers have built a community greenhouse and gardens, community barn and social center, kids playground, outdoor fire pits and walkways. In the works are a sports field, ball court, heated pool and spa area, picnic grounds and outdoor kitchen facilities.
Display homes are open to view Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/11/cottages-at-seabright-farms-moves-toward-construction/ | en | 2016-08-11T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/4f6f3bd07811283e4cdae2434cfda41e0d7803e3f25370bc50be4be1521186cd.json |
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| 2016-08-26T12:54:50 | null | 2016-08-03T00:00:00 | Trinity Church summer music camp gave a fun and entertaining performance of God with a Capital G!, based on the story of Elijah, July 31 on the church lawn | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F03%2Ftrinity-music-camp-performs-god-with-a-capital-g%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Trinity music camp performs “God with a Capital G!” | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | P1020069 P1020068 P1020062 P1020060 P1020056 P1020043 P1020029
Trinity Church summer music camp gave a fun and entertaining performance of God with a Capital G!, based on the story of Elijah, July 31 on the church lawn.
In its ninth year, the free weeklong camp, made possible by donations received from the Trinity Concert Series, provides many opportunities for children and teenagers to sing, dance and play musical instruments. The performers did a great job under the direction of Natasha Neufeld. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/03/trinity-music-camp-performs-god-with-a-capital-g/ | en | 2016-08-03T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/45c487ca08a6b083a9493489ae42d5cf9845c509c9c2690597dadf1e64c87d1b.json |
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| 2016-08-26T20:46:49 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | By Pat Grubb Smoked pot? Not an American? You’d better think twice before you unburden your guilty conscience while talking to a U.S. border official. Ted | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fu-s-border-cracking-down-on-past-pot-use%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | U.S. border cracking down on past pot use | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | By Pat Grubb
Smoked pot? Not an American? You’d better think twice before you unburden your guilty conscience while talking to a U.S. border official.
Ted Gilliat likes to come down to Point Roberts with his 4- and 6-year-old daughters to fly kites at Lighthouse Marine Park. He won’t be doing that anytime soon after undergoing over four hours of examination at the U.S. port of entry on August 21 – a harrowing experience that led to his permanent exclusion from the United States.
His offense? He admitted to border personnel that he smokes marijuana. He’s not the only one recently banned from entering the States. According to Blaine immigration attorney Len Saunders, “I am aware of two exclusion incidents involving marijuana use, past and present, that happened in Point Roberts last week.”
Gilliat, 46, grew up in Tsawwassen and has crossed the border countless times from childhood on. In November 2005, he rode across the border on his bike and was discovered with 11 grams (less than 0.4 oz.) of marijuana in his backpack. He was not prosecuted or fined and was allowed to return home to Canada.
In 2011, he applied to the Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Admissibility Review Office for advance permission to enter the States. That August, he received what is referred to as a September Letter which stated: “Upon examination of the incident you were not arrested nor convicted, nor did you admit to committing acts which constitute the essential elements of a violation of any control substance law or regulation… It is the determination of this office that you are eligible for travel to the United States.”
Gilliat said his most recent troubles began when he came down to the Point two days earlier on August 19 without his September Letter. Questioned extensively about the 2005 incident and after cooling his heels in the office for 90 minutes, he was denied access because he wasn’t carrying the letter. “I’ve only been asked for it twice in the five years I’ve had it and I’ve entered the States plenty of times,” he said.
On Sunday, Gilliat again attempted to enter the Point to attend a family picnic, this time carrying the letter. To no avail, it appears.
According to Gilliat, this time he spent well over four hours being interrogated at times by three officers about the 2005 incident and his use of marijuana. “If I had to use one word to describe the experience, I’d say entrapment. That is exactly the word that comes to mind. They made me say stuff that I shouldn’t have said. They got me so worked up to get me to answer the way they wanted me to answer. They’re not nice about it. It’s an interrogation, it’s like you’re going to jail so you give answers so you won’t go to jail,” Gilliat said.
“[Going to jail] is the inference they make,” said Saunders. “They make it sound like there’s serious negative consequences when in reality all they can do is to deny entry. It’s a twilight zone. Marijuana is legal in Washington state and elsewhere but they’re still asking the question. What people don’t realize is that they’re setting themselves up for a lifetime ban from entering the U.S.”
Gilliat was interrogated under oath inside a closed room and asked a standard series of questions. According to Saunders, the initial questions are innocuous and intended to confirm that the subject is not American or has a claim to U.S. citizenship or American Indian status. The questions become more and more portentous and deal with the subject’s drug use and knowledge of the law.
For example, Gilliat was told, “According to Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Section 1308.11 Schedule 1, marijuana is considered to be a Schedule 1 controlled substance,” and asked if he understood.
The questions end with a declaration by the officer that the subject is an alien “who has been convicted of, or admits having committed” violating controlled substance laws and is thus inadmissible for entry to the U.S. unless they obtain a nonimmigrant waiver of inadmissibility from the Department of Homeland Security.
Saunders said he always recommends to people that they should be truthful about having been arrested or convicted of a crime. “However, you’re under no obligation to answer [questions about drug use] – it’s none of their business,” he said. “Ted’s crossed the border thousands of times. For an officer to spend four-and-a-half hours on a busy Sunday to interrogate a middle-aged Canadian who recreationally smokes a little marijuana is a colossal waste of government resources. Who spends half their shift interrogating someone when there’s a long line of cars waiting to cross the border?”
Current and former CBP officers say this type of questioning is at individuals’ discretion and, according to Saunders, is often driven by a desire for promotion. “I’ve been told that there’s guidance coming from senior officers to pursue these cases,” said Saunders.
Gilliat has begun the process of applying for a waiver of inadmissibility which he described as “a huge inconvenience.” Not only that, said Saunders, it’s also expensive and will be getting even more expensive. “Currently, it costs $585 just to file for an I-192, not considering attorney fees, and will be going up to $930 later this year.” Initially, an I-192 is valid for a year but eventually is good for a multi-year period. Saunders has been notifying clients who need to renew their waivers to do so before the cost goes up.
The attorney also had sobering words for people who have NEXUS membership but get excluded after admitting to prior drug use. He said it’s more than likely that they’ll be able to get a waiver and be able to enter the U.S. but they will never get their NEXUS status back. “That’s a lifetime ban,” he said.
“What’s interesting about Gilliat’s case is that he actually had a September Letter saying he was admissible but they went beyond that,” Saunders said. Sounding disgusted, he added, “I know Ted. He’s a good person. For the government to put him through all this is a huge waste of time and money.”
In the meantime, Gilliat will have to find another place to fly a kite with his young daughters. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/u-s-border-cracking-down-on-past-pot-use/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/9795ca49e2d4ab34c524e4cc62d8b6173e43974a6dc4c933a98a368b30dffcac.json |
[
"Frank Newman"
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| 2016-08-26T12:57:10 | null | 2016-07-08T02:36:00 | By Oliver Lazenby A Customs and Border Protection supervisor who works in Blaine is scheduled to face trial in October after getting drunk, blowing up a | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F07%2F29%2Fcbp-supervisor-arrested-after-july-4-fireworks-explosion%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | CBP supervisor arrested after July 4 fireworks explosion | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | By Oliver Lazenby
A Customs and Border Protection supervisor who works in Blaine is scheduled to face trial in October after getting drunk, blowing up a garage, and injuring three people in a fireworks accident at a Fourth of July party.
Whatcom County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a party at 3736 Spring Coulee Road north of Bellingham on July 4 at 9:47 p.m. after receiving reports of a fire and injuries. Witnesses at the party reported that Detlef Goellner, 52, was drunk and acting out of control. He was throwing firework “poppers” at people in the yard and then entered the garage where a “neatly stacked collection of fireworks” was set on a table.
After throwing more poppers at the ground, Goellner grabbed a mortar-style firework from the stack, according to witnesses interviewed by deputies.
Partygoers told Goellner to “stop” and “calm down,” and someone shouted “Don’t light that!”
Goellner lit it and hurled it outside, according to the sheriff’s office. Sparks from the mortar ignited the entire stack which then exploded before bystanders could get away; about 15 people were within 10 feet of the explosion when it happened, witnesses said.
Lindsay Alexander, 20, was knocked off her feet by the explosion. Medics treated her for leg injuries, possibly from shrapnel, at the scene and she later went to the hospital for further treatment.
Two men suffered from smoke inhalation while attempting to put out the fire. One went to the hospital and the other didn’t immediately seek treatment.
The explosion caused significant damage, including structural damage, to the garage. Homeowner Brad Alexander estimated the damage to be around $20,000, but told deputies it could be as much as $60,000. He also said the fireworks were stored well away from the designated firework lighting area and that safety measures such as an emergency water bucket were in place.
Sheriff’s deputies arrested Goellner on suspicion of reckless burning in the first degree, which is a class C felony and carries a maximum sentence of five years and a $10,000 fine. He was also charged with three misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment. In Whatcom County Superior Court on July 4, $10,000 bail was set by commissioner Martha Gross who said Goellner had “endanger[ed] a lot of people” and was “someone who should’ve known better.”
A September 21 pre-trial hearing will determine if the case will go to trial as scheduled on October 3. A no harassment/no contact order prohibits Goellner from contacting Lindsay Alexander, Brad Alexander and another witness, Harold Hurlbert. Goellner is also prohibited from leaving Whatcom County without court permission. On July 15, an order modifying the conditions of release allowed Goellner to travel to Arizona for 17 days to visit his children.
Goellner had previously served at the Point Roberts port of entry. On June 7, 2015, Goellner was on duty when B.C. resident Jim Graham collapsed at the border after suffering a heart attack. As reported by the All Point Bulletin, “first on the scene was Customs and Border Protection officer Detlef Goellner who was out of the building in ‘moments,’ and began performing CPR, bringing Graham ‘back from the brink of death twice.’ Goellner had recently finished a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
“Goellner kept Graham alive until the arrival of a crew from the Point Roberts fire department with paramedic Ben Boyko who carried on until the arrival of an Airlift Northwest helicopter. Graham was then transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham.”
Graham later made a full recovery and was present at a ceremony a few months later when Goellner and others were presented with an award by congresswoman Suzan DelBene. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/07/29/cbp-supervisor-arrested-after-july-4-fireworks-explosion/ | en | 2016-07-08T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/0e862db94c6a872d11feb4934b08dd18e426b5d3a4fe998a58d3d5bb83382cb1.json |
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| 2016-08-26T12:50:58 | null | 2016-08-18T00:00:00 | Fire chief Christopher Carleton was the guest speaker at the August 15 meeting of the Point Roberts Taxpayers Association. Carleton shared information about the | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F18%2Ffire-chief-discusses-departments-budget%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Fire chief discusses department’s budget | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | Fire chief Christopher Carleton was the guest speaker at the August 15 meeting of the Point Roberts Taxpayers Association. Carleton shared information about the local fire department’s finances, including some projected big-ticket items in the near future.
“Our projected capital costs in the next 10 years is $2 million,” Carleton said, which includes a new fire truck by 2020 in order to meet current standards and protect the community’s fire rating. “Hopefully I’ll be successful in buying the community a new fire truck with funds that are given to us rather than out of our tax dollars,” he said, reporting on continuing efforts to secure grant funding.
Carleton also reminded audience members that they can view the department’s budget online at wcfd5.com. “You can go there and it will tell you exactly how we are spending the funds,” he said. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/18/fire-chief-discusses-departments-budget/ | en | 2016-08-18T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/4699c5aab54cf01fdef04562d158728605e16339add1898d348759a8f4b2d641.json |
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| 2016-08-26T12:52:33 | null | 2016-08-18T00:00:00 | Point Roberts fire chief Christopher Carleton has announced that due to continued dry weather a full burn ban is in effect until further notice. No outdoor | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F18%2Ftotal-burn-ban-on-for-point-roberts%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Total burn ban on for Point Roberts | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | Point Roberts fire chief Christopher Carleton has announced that due to continued dry weather a full burn ban is in effect until further notice. No outdoor fires are permitted until the ban is lifted.
Posted by wpapb | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/18/total-burn-ban-on-for-point-roberts/ | en | 2016-08-18T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/bef8f43658ad9c465f88f26806e29c3975fd3594e19695f528a3a56a5f13b04a.json |
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| 2016-08-26T12:49:21 | null | 2016-07-29T00:00:00 | A typical beach day in Point Roberts as seen from the vantage point of the lawn at South Beach House Restaurant. Photo by Louise Mugar | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F07%2F29%2Fsoaking-up-the-sun%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Soaking up the sun | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | A typical beach day in Point Roberts as seen from the vantage point of the lawn at South Beach House Restaurant.
Photo by Louise Mugar | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/07/29/soaking-up-the-sun/ | en | 2016-07-29T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/c02246d02aa9488a1f34881f46c578f5eeea53a76cff3bc7dbd13a65556ef8d1.json |
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| 2016-08-26T18:47:57 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Open 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays 9 a.m.: Pool, coffee and snacks. Noon: Hot lunch 1 p.m.: Wednesdays, Bridge Fridays, cards and games Friday, | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fseniors-point-september-2016%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Senior’s Point September 2016 | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | Open 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Wednesdays and Fridays
9 a.m.: Pool, coffee and snacks.
Noon: Hot lunch
1 p.m.: Wednesdays, Bridge
Fridays, cards and games
Friday, September 2: Chicken cordon bleu, scalloped potatoes, Caribbean vegetables, spinach salad and coconut fruit salad.
Wednesday, September 7: Ravioli with meat sauce, Italian vegetables, garden salad and fruit.
Friday, September 9: Baked fish, roasted yam, green beans, garden salad and fruit.
Wednesday, September 14: Swiss steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli florets, garden salad and fruit
cocktail.
Friday, September 16: Sweet and sour meatballs over rice, Asian vegetables, garden salad and fruit.
Wednesday, September 21: Ham and pineapple, garlic dill potatoes, Caribbean vegetables, garden salad and fruit.
Friday, September 23: Country fried steak, mashed potatoes, country gravy, peas and carrots and fresh melon.
Wednesday, September 28: Beef stroganoff with pasta, steamed broccoli, garden salad and fruit.
Friday, September 30: Shrimp fettuccini, Italian vegetables, Caesar salad and fruit.
Gluten free entree available upon request. Entree salad available daily. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/seniors-point-september-2016/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/ddc7f2224ffb93f60d0f7439822b80207f47ac718664adc9dba3d30bdd90f72c.json |
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| 2016-08-26T18:47:04 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Madrona Yoga, the little studio nestled in the trees at Maple Meadow at the foot of Goodman Road hill, is celebrating 10 years in business. Classes are held | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fmadrona-yoga-celebrates-10th-year%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Madrona Yoga celebrates 10th year | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | Madrona Yoga, the little studio nestled in the trees at Maple Meadow at the foot of Goodman Road hill, is celebrating 10 years in business. Classes are held Monday through Saturday mornings with an evening class on Monday night. Owner Desiree Kleeman recently sat down to answer questions about her studio and yoga experiences.
When did you begin teaching yoga?
About 18 years ago! Yikes, where did the time go?
Where did you learn how to teach?
My first yoga class experience, believe it or not, was in an air conditioned gym with the clanking of gym equipment and people walking through the middle of the class. The teacher was an aerobic teacher who had no yoga teacher training. But wow, did I love it! It was like getting a massage from the inside out. It was shortly after my first class that I did my first teacher training course with Maureen Orman in Ladner. It was amazing. I learned more from her than any other teaching training I did after that. Maureen had a yoga studio in Ladner, Delta Yoga Centre, and I was fortunate enough to be hired and teach my first yoga classes at her place.
What type of yoga do you offer at Madrona?
We offer Vinyasa Flow, Gentle/Therapeutic, and Yin. Our classes are small enough that we (the teachers) can adjust the practice to who is in the room. And we always make sure to offer modifications so that even if you are new to the practice you can rest assured that we will take care of you.
I came into yoga after a full and long dance career, so I draw on my dance background when teaching, with a big emphasis on music. I also created and make six-foot round yoga mats that I use in my Friday morning flow class, when space permits. I love the freedom and creativity the big round mats can give you.
What are the benefits of yoga?
Whew! The benefits of yoga? Where do I start … Yoga improves flexibility, muscle strength, promotes healthy bones, increases blood flow, helps you live a healthy life style, gives greater focus and balance, releases tension, boosts your immune system, gives you peace of mind and just makes you happy! Those are just a few things. I always tell people practicing yoga can be an addiction, a healthy wonderful addiction.
How would you describe your students? The students who come to Madrona Yoga are a variety of age and activity level. Some, male and female, are extremely active and use their yoga practice to complement their other activities, while others benefit from the more gentle/therapeutic classes we offer. We have people who have been crossing the border for 10 years to come and take classes with us. Why not come across the border for milk, gas and yoga?
Do you hold special workshops?
We have had many workshops throughout the years including meditation, restorative and yin classes.
Do you offer Yoga trips?
I have led three yoga retreats to Bali, with my next one March 13 – 19, 2017. Bali is an incredible and spiritual place to dive into your practice and it is one of my favorite places to bring people to. I build the yoga portion of the retreat around my 6 foot round mandala yoga mats, with a flow class in the morning and yin in the afternoon. Yoga is, of course, the main emphasis of the retreat but experiencing the culture and food are just as important. So you can expect a week full of yoga, incredible food, group outings and time to relax and unwind.
Who else teaches at Madrona?
Kathleen McInnes has been teaching since I opened up the studio on Goodman Road. Even though we have very different teaching styles, I think we complement each other’s classes perfectly. She has students that have been coming to her Tuesday/Thursday gentle yoga classes loyally for the last six years. Over the past few years she has expanded her teaching style with Yoga Therapy and yin classes. I don’t know what I would do without her!
How much does it cost?
Prices for classes range from $11 to $14, depending upon frequency.
For more information about the studio, go to madronayoga.com. To learn about Desiree’s round yoga mats, visit mandalayogamat.com. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/madrona-yoga-celebrates-10th-year/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/2b4e4d6723b2b2d2769c20b1ac91663c1ffaacf6a1ce10871845c15a285f4b4e.json |
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| 2016-08-26T20:46:53 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The review of the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed second container terminal at Roberts Bank will continue with a second “orientation | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fdeltaport-expansion-to-hold-review-of-environmental-impacts%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Deltaport expansion to hold review of environmental impacts | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | The review of the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed second container terminal at Roberts Bank will continue with a second “orientation session” before members of the independent review panel established by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) and open to the public.
At the first orientation session on June 28, available to watch online at bit.ly/2bD0tTD, federal and provincial agencies, the proponent and experts who have reviewed the projects outlined their roles and responsibilities in the review process.
At 9 a.m. on September 16, at Simon Fraser University’s Segal building, 500 Granville Street, Vancouver, room 1200-1500, the Tsawwassen First Nation and local municipalities will provide information. There will also be a presentation about Canada’s marine safety system and the project proponent will deliver a presentation on the container terminal industry. Members of the review panel and the public will not have an opportunity to comment, but comments and questions can be submitted via email to [email protected] until October 14.
“The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority proposes the construction and operation of a new three-berth marine container terminal located at Roberts Bank in Delta, British Columbia,” the CEAA website states. “The Project would be located next to the existing Deltaport and Westshore Terminals. The environmental assessment includes a consideration of the proposed Project and of marine shipping associated with the Project.”
The new terminal would double Deltaport’s container capacity. Information on the project proposal can be found at robertsbankterminal2.com. That site also has links to the full environmental impact statement and an executive summary.
Information on the environmental review process, and the opportunity to be added to a distribution list and receive notification of future proceedings, is available at bit.ly/2bD107J. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/deltaport-expansion-to-hold-review-of-environmental-impacts/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/51ec776db184b78c937afa8dbf7cad7e883eb7957ff92162bce9e49ecb9aa33e.json |
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| 2016-08-26T20:48:21 | null | 2016-08-26T02:25:00 | The Cottages at Seabright Farm received its final plat approval by Whatcom County on August 8, meaning individual lots have been recorded as separate legal | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fcottages-at-seabright-farms-moves-toward-construction%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Cottages at Seabright Farm moves toward construction | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | The Cottages at Seabright Farm received its final plat approval by Whatcom County on August 8, meaning individual lots have been recorded as separate legal parcels. The development now has the ability to close lot sales with owners being then free to obtain building permits and begin construction.
According to a press release issued by the Orca Shores partnership, a number of lots are either “already reserved or contracted for immediate sale, and on those, we will be able to move rapidly towards the start of cottage construction.”
All lots are fully serviced with all utilities including water, septic, electrical and DSL internet service. Developers have built a community greenhouse and gardens, community barn and social center, kids playground, outdoor fire pits and walkways. In the works are a sports field, ball court, heated pool and spa area, picnic grounds and outdoor kitchen facilities.
Display homes are open to view Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/cottages-at-seabright-farms-moves-toward-construction/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/dd40b5b9053f73bd88e29f16619665cab45fe959d1581e61627366481eb7f67f.json |
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| 2016-08-26T20:47:04 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The Editor: An unfortunate accident occurred on Sunday and I wish to thank Tamra and staff from the Saltwater Cafe for her quick response, and then fire | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fletters-to-the-editor-september-2016%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Letters to the Editor: September 2016 | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | The Editor:
An unfortunate accident occurred on Sunday and I wish to thank Tamra and staff from the Saltwater Cafe for her quick response, and then fire chief Carleton, John Shields, Christi and the whole team for their quick and awesome response.
I am deeply grateful .
Jana Walker
Point Roberts
The Editor:
“Why are you going to the Point? There’s nothing there!” said the U.S. border guard. Interesting!
My wife and I will be celebrating our 50th and we thought we would drive down and visit some old haunts, i.e. the Reef and Breakers. Lots of memories from the past. We drove past the Reef and Breakers with memories of long-past dancing and fun. We drove by the marina and marveled at all the new homes and development in this truly wonderful oasis by the sea that is so close to home. We traveled up and walked around Lily Point Park and looked out over the strait and the beauty of Mt. Baker and the surrounding islands.
We then went to the Reef and sat out on their patio and had the best burger we’ve had in awhile as we inhaled the fresh sea air and enjoyed the life by the sea. We then went to your International Market and worked our way over to the golf course where we plan to return sometime soon.
The border guard sold us short. There is much to see and do at the Point. We plan to rent a cabin on the “Big Day” in October and look forward to walking the trails and biking and just kicking back and thanking the Good Lord for all he has done for us – the life we’ve had together and the places we’ve been.
Point Roberts is one of our very special places we’ve been and are coming back again soon. There’s nothing there, eh? The young border guard will hopefully read this and change his mind, especially as he accumulates memories of his own. The Point is one of the best!
RJ Rick Pearson
Coquitlam, B.C.
The Editor:
Can you believe the 2016-2017 school year is just about to begin?
Keep your eyes out for some deals, as stores are starting to have their school supply sales and the family service center would benefit greatly from donations of school supplies to ensure all the students in need who qualify are provided with necessary supplies.
The Blaine school district family service center is already anticipating an increase this year in the number of low-income and homeless students that will be provided with school supplies and backpacks.
The Blaine school district family service center serves low-income (on free or reduced lunch) and homeless students who attend Blaine schools. The service center provides many direct services, and one of the largest is school supplies that are provided to students in need.
Last year more than 300 low-income students were provided with basic school supplies during the first few days of school.
Supplies that are desperately needed this year are: glue sticks, spiral notebooks (both wide- and college-ruled), pencil pouches, pencil boxes, highlighters, six- or eight-tab dividers (for three-ring binders), scissors, markers (thick or thin) and backpacks – lots and lots of backpacks.
Although these are the supplies that are in the greatest need now, we gladly will accept any and all school supply donations.
Donated supplies can be dropped off at the Blaine school district office, 765 H Street, during regular business hours, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
If you would like to donate money for supplies you can either drop it off at the district office or mail it to: Jessie Burton, Family Service Center, Blaine School District, 765 H Street, Blaine, WA 98230. All donations of goods and monies are tax deductible.
The school supply distribution for the 2016-2017 school year will be on Friday, August 26 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the family service center, located behind the old middle school gym, blue door is facing Blaine Elementary School.
Thanks so much! For more information please contact the family service center at [email protected].
Jessie Burton, Family Service Center
Blaine School District | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/letters-to-the-editor-september-2016/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/fa05e25b44c46284bb5a072dad5f220297f42837ddb7703efa00c38544d79d87.json |
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| 2016-08-26T18:46:52 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Bestsellers: Winter Storms – Elin Hilderbrand The Whistler – John Grisham Precious and Grace – Alexander McCall Smith The Girl from Venice – | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Flibrary-quick-picks-september-2016%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Library Quick Picks September 2016 | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | Bestsellers:
Winter Storms – Elin Hilderbrand
The Whistler – John Grisham
Precious and Grace – Alexander McCall Smith
The Girl from Venice – Martin Cruz Smith
Movies:
Indigo – Neale Walsch, Meghan McCandless
Maggie’s Plan – Greta Gerwig, Ethan Hawke
Gallows Road – Kevin Sorbo, Ernie Hudson
Roots – Chad Coleman, Laurence Fishburne
Music:
Bury Me in My Boots – Cadillac Three
Coming Home – O’Connor Band
Mighty – Kristene DiMarco
Home of the Strange – Young the Giant
Teens:
American Ace – Marilyn Nelson
Shade Me – Jennifer Brown
More Happy Than Not – Adam Silvera
Kids:
Tell Me a Tattoo Story – Alison McGhee, Eliza Wheeler
The Wolf’s Boy – Susan Williams Beckhorn
The Trouble with Ant – Claudia Mills, Katie Kath
Hours:
Tuesday 1–7 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
wcls.org | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/library-quick-picks-september-2016/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/e71d122a2b9297303bb7ac45cfe260c56095f2dad09da56a499c2534a09cf0f4.json |
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| 2016-08-26T20:48:24 | null | 2016-08-04T22:38:00 | By Meg Olson When Vicki Huntington came to speak at the Point Roberts Taxpayers’ Association annual general meeting, she came with a plea. “The Cross | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fb-c-assembly-member-discusses-threat-to-migratory-flyway%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | B.C. Assembly member discusses threat to migratory flyway and impact on Point Roberts | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | By Meg Olson
When Vicki Huntington came to speak at the Point Roberts Taxpayers’ Association annual general meeting, she came with a plea.
“The Cross Border Coalition to Stop the Towers was an amazing exercise in citizen power,” Huntington, Member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly for South Delta told guests at the July 27 meeting, and she said citizen power is needed for another, larger issue. “This whole area is under threat, big threat right now and we are at a crossroads as citizens. Either we are going to try and protect and save what’s left of the migratory bird flyway or we’re going to watch it disappear.”
Huntington’s presentation, “The Great Migration: Love it or Lose it,” was a sobering catalog of the increasing industrialization and development in South Delta and in the Fraser River Estuary in general, which is eliminating critical habitat for migratory birds.
“The estuary is an ecosystem of its own and it is the primary stop for the migratory flyway on the west coast of North America,” she said. “It is an ecosystem that supports millions of birds.”
Snow geese, swans, widgeons, mallards and other waterfowl winter in our region and summer in the high arctic, she said. Flocks of dunlins and other shorebirds, including the world’s entire population of the western sandpiper, rely on the habitat of the Fraser estuary. “Delta has the highest concentration of raptors in Canada,” she said, including snowy owls.
The area has been recognized as critical habitat, with almost 21,000 hectares designated as a wetland of international significance under the Convention on Wetlands, known as the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental environmental treaty established in 1971 under UNESCO. The Fraser River Estuary, specifically Boundary Bay, Roberts Bank and Sturgeon Bank, are designated an Important Bird Area under a global initiative of BirdLife International in partnership with the Audubon Society.
Huntington said in the last 20 years development has steadily encroached on critical habitat and if the trend isn’t changed, that habitat loss could spell the collapse of the migratory flyway.
The Boundary Bay Airport, previously designated for light aircraft industrial uses has become “fully industrialized” with large distribution facilities either built or planned. Greenhouses continue to proliferate, now covering 150 acres in South Delta. “What we see here is a component of East Delta that 15 years ago was vital habitat and is now essentially gone,” Huntington said.
A proposed second terminal at Delta Port, which would add another terminal on a rock foundation at Roberts Bank, would double the capacity of the container port. Open land owned by B.C. Rail would be converted to an intermodal yard to serve the expanded port. Huntington described plans for the area as the development of an “industrial triangle on what are now primarily agricultural lands.”
Rapid development on Tsawwassen First Nations land is adding to the disappearance of habitat. “Tsawwassen First Nation is putting 4,000 homes on that land in addition to what I think will be a casino and the mall,” Huntington said.
The threat to the migratory flyway is an international issue, Huntington said, and she hopes residents south of the border call on their members of congress to look at an international migratory bird treaty. A second terminal at Delta Port would directly impact Point Roberts. “I don’t know if you’ve seen a change in your beach on the west side, because the hydrology of the area has changed,” she said, which would be exacerbated by an expansion of port facilities. “I don’t understand why the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S. haven’t been more interested.”
Audience member Arthur Reber said the open public forum with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, to be held Wednesday, August 17 from 3:30 to 4:30 at the community center, would provide an opportunity for Point Roberts residents to bring up their concerns, specifically about the proposed port expansion. “The impact on the Point is significant,” he said. “Our shoreline is changing.” Other audience members voiced concerns about the impact additional vessel traffic would have on air quality.
Huntington said reining in development in the Fraser estuary to find a balance between economic growth and environmental health was a cross-border issue. “We’re up against forces that are very real, very large and have all the money and influence,” she said. “It’s like starting on the tower battle, only some of us have been at this battle for a long time.” | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/b-c-assembly-member-discusses-threat-to-migratory-flyway/ | en | 2016-08-04T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/103329d2a5bec716d3b4e86e881f0bb487fa9f1fbd49b9d3564a74e5b210d91a.json |
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| 2016-08-26T20:46:44 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | By Meg Olson The local chapter of Dollars for Scholars is looking for volunteers to help administer their scholarship program. “The current board is | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fdollars-for-scholars-looking-for-board-members%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Dollars for Scholars looking for board members | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | By Meg Olson
The local chapter of Dollars for Scholars is looking for volunteers to help administer their scholarship program.
“The current board is comprised of members who are very thinly stretched,” which makes it difficult to find times to meet and take care of chapter business, such as awarding scholarships and ensuring funds are raised for next year’s awards,” said current board member Linda Hughes. “We need help,” Hughes said.
The local Dollars for Scholars organization has operated for over a dozen years, awarding more than $120,000 in scholarships to community members pursuing post-secondary education.
The chapter is accredited by Scholarship America, through which scholarship seekers can apply online. Board members evaluate applicants and award scholarships, coordinate fundraising and organize community outreach.
To volunteer, contact Hughes at [email protected]. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/dollars-for-scholars-looking-for-board-members/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/11ef47e06b84bf4bb1e1f839bbb9555e307223603898e3eea7d164c924a06174.json |
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| 2016-08-26T18:46:46 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | July 23, 6:25 a.m.: Drunk, McLaren Rd. July 25, 5 p.m.: Drugs on Tyee Drive. July 27, 4:38 p.m.: Assault simple cold call on Tyee Drive. July 27, 5:46 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fsheriffs-reports-august-2016%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Sheriff’s Reports August 2016 | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | July 23, 6:25 a.m.: Drunk, McLaren Rd.
July 25, 5 p.m.: Drugs on Tyee Drive.
July 27, 4:38 p.m.: Assault simple cold call on Tyee Drive.
July 27, 5:46 p.m.: Serve warrant on Tyee Drive. Point Roberts man, 27, arrested on a warrant from another jurisdiction.
July 29, 4:56 p.m.: Mental on Province Road.
July 30, 8:11 a.m.: Hazard on Churchill Drive.
July 30, 5:52 p.m.: Serve warrant on Tyee Dr.
July 31, 12:32 p.m.: Vandalism on Holiday Ln.
August 1, 6:11 a.m.: Alarm audible on Gulf Road.
August 1, 8:51 p.m.: Assault simple on McLaren Road.
August 2, 1:57 p.m.: Domestic physical cold call on Claire Lane. Point Roberts man arrested and cited for assault fourth degree.
August 3, 6:17 p.m.: Theft cold call on Roosevelt Way.
August 4, 3:47 p.m.: Assist citizen on Claire Ln.
August 5, 10:31 a.m.: Assault aggravated cold call on Tyee Drive. Point Roberts man, 63, arrested for 2nd degree assault.
August 5, 4:35 p.m.: Vandalism cold call on Maple Ave.
August 6, 8:46 p.m.: Parking problem on Boundary Bay Road.
August 9, 2:31 p.m.: Traffic stop on Tyee Drive. Richmond, B.C., man, 47, arrested, cited for driving with license suspended 3rd degree.
August 11, 10:22 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Marine Drive.
August 11, 2:39 p.m.: Vandalism cold call on Benson Road.
August 13, 6:14 p.m.: Domestic physical on Roosevelt Way. North Vancouver, B.C., man, 34, arrested for assault fourth and unlawful imprisonment.
August 14, 8:20 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Roosevelt Way.
August 16, 6:36 p.m.: Alarm audible on Tyee Drive.
August 17, 12:20 p.m.: Fireworks cold call.
August 17, 6:47 p.m.: Traffic hazard on McKenzie Way.
August 21, 3:12 a.m.: Party on South Beach Road. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/sheriffs-reports-august-2016/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/5e0eda71bd0683f9bd6aef35b75753bd6fe3a2fcb4897d2fa7e13777bbdf4fdf.json |
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| 2016-08-26T20:46:47 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | By Meg Olson With new dates and a new location, organizers of the Point Roberts Arts and Music Festival expect to deliver a more polished event for the | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fupgraded-arts-music-festival-set-to-go%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | “Upgraded” Arts & Music Festival set to go | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | By Meg Olson
With new dates and a new location, organizers of the Point Roberts Arts and Music Festival expect to deliver a more polished event for the festival’s 21st year.
“Partnering with the marina really lets us upgrade the event,” said vendor coordinator Gail Pueyo.
The two days of music, art and dance will take place in the grassy area adjacent to the marina building on September 3 and 4 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
With two stages set up, “It will be an ongoing continuous live entertainment,” Pueyo said, rather than the audience needing to wait between acts. Performers offer a wide range of styles, from classical
to alternative.
Starting off with the Kelley ukulele group, Saturday’s highlights include Craig Jacks and the Jackalopes alternative country, the Los Gitanos flamenco dance troupe and jazz/pop standards with former Vancouver Symphony trumpeter Ray Kirkham and friends. The Point Roberts Winds will start the lineup on Sunday, followed by Nashville recording artist Delaney Rose, the Eire Born Irish Dancers, Las Vegas-acclaimed Jeffrey Elvis and eclectic world/folk songwriter Bocephus King.
A new addition this year will be the festival’s talent search, which will run in slots on both days. Contestants can sign up at [email protected], but can also join in during the festival.
“We’d like you to contact us to help us plan better but the mic will be open too,” said entertainment coordinator Craig Jacks. “We always get a lot of people who come up and want to get on stage and this is an opportunity for them. We think this could make it into a more open and fun-filled family event.”
The contest finale and awards will be at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, followed by a grand finale featuring festival headliners.
A first in the festival’s history, the marina and the Compass Rose Restaurant will host a beer garden as well as a barbecue. Other food vendors will offer ice cream, Hawaiian shaved ice and kettle corn. Auntie Pam’s Country Store will join visiting vendors, including those selling native art, collectibles and gemstone jewelry.
“We will also have fun stuff for the kids,” Pueyo said. Local organizations, including Point Roberts Emergency Preparedness and the Point Roberts fire department, will also participate.
Jacks and Pueyo said the festival this year relied only on local sponsorship, after longtime sponsor Westshore Terminals withdrew its support. “The local businesses really stepped up to the plate,” Jacks said. Top sponsors were Nordic Construction, Point Roberts Marina, TSB Shipping, Valero, Nielson’s Building Center and the Cottages at Seabright Farms. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/upgraded-arts-music-festival-set-to-go/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/21de85b29b17088b3ddd9c7a5879378b62cbe16462a9486d497185f4ab1cb8c8.json |
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| 2016-08-26T20:46:58 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Blaine school district board of directors passed a budget for the 2016/2017 school year at its August 22 meeting. The budget anticipates that the district | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fschool-district-passes-201617-budget%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | School district passes 2016/17 budget | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | Blaine school district board of directors passed a budget for the 2016/2017 school year at its August 22 meeting.
The budget anticipates that the district will start the school year with $2,433,044 in its general fund and end it with $1,861,516, a difference of $571,528.
The district will collect $26.69 million and spend $27.26 million. General fund revenue comes mostly from state funds, but also local property taxes and federal grants and funds.
Projected revenues and expenditures both increased by a little more than $1 million from the 2015/2016 budget. Much of that is due to state-mandated full-day kindergarten, which starts this year. School district’s throughout Washington get extra state money to implement all day kindergarten, but it will also have significant costs in terms of extra staff hours and curriculum and transportation costs.
School district finance director Amber Porter said extra state funds for full-day kindergarten will roughly cover the district’s costs for adding the program.
The district is also reducing costs to students and families for participating in sports programs and for school supplies, Porter said. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/school-district-passes-201617-budget/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/124b0766b88b8dde1b0463b81cd8403d6e24c7db399deb8a0af712d171451f90.json |
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| 2016-08-26T18:47:26 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The board of directors of the Point Roberts Taxpayers Association has approved a motion in support of the excess levy before voters this November that would | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Ftaxpayers-endorse-library-levy%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Taxpayers endorse library levy | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | The board of directors of the Point Roberts Taxpayers Association has approved a motion in support of the excess levy before voters this November that would make up the budget shortfall to transform the Julius fire station into a new library.
The motion states that the association “supports the plans for a new library through renovation of the Point Roberts Park and Recreation District’s old Julius Fire Hall property (adjacent to the Community Center) and commends the Friends of the Point Roberts Library (FOPRL) for its outstanding achievement in raising over $500,000 in private donations for this purpose.”
The association also “supports and urges voters to vote in favor of the District’s proposed one-time excess levy on the November 8, 2016 election ballot, to raise up to $300,000 in public funding in order to fund the new library project and proceed with construction as soon as possible.”
Action was taken in response from a request from the FOPRL, which noted that “the Point Roberts Library has remained basically unchanged since the 1940s.” The new library will have over 2,500 square feet (a significant increase from the current 900 square feet); more computer stations; areas for adults, teenagers and children to sit, read and use library materials; and a meeting room available to the community.
The levy places a one-time property tax increase of up to $0.51 for each $1,000 of assessed value: a house assessed at $200,000 will have a one-time assessment of up to $102. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/taxpayers-endorse-library-levy/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/7a264892a885c8e4ec9929c628a8cf19e06bf50e349836b7d273c0aa0a7b9b84.json |
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| 2016-08-26T12:50:25 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | The Whatcom County Fire District 5 open house will bring together dozens of organizations that serve the community, with the fire department at its core | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Ffire-department-open-house-to-be-held-this-weekend%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Fire department open house to be held this weekend | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | The Whatcom County Fire District 5 open house will bring together dozens of organizations that serve the community, with the fire department at its core.
“This event allows the public to come and see the facility and the equipment and meet the professionals that provide emergency services to this community,” said fire chief Christopher Carleton.
Carleton said he has invited other groups to be part of the August 27 event. The Point Roberts Clinic will be providing health screenings, including eye exams and dental exams. The Bloodworks Northwest bloodmobile will be there for people who wish to donate blood. The Airlift Northwest helicopter will be on site, with information about how to obtain airlift insurance. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and Delta Fire and Rescue have also been invited to attend.
The Point Roberts Emergency Preparedness group and the HAM radio operators will have information tables, as will the American Red Cross. This year the local senior center will join the open house, collecting donations for senior center programming, which the fire department will support with a run/bike with firefighters following the open house. Members of the Point Roberts Volunteer Firefighters Association will be serving up hotdogs and hamburgers.
“We’ll have a miniature combat course set up for the kids this year,” Carleton said, giving them the opportunity to experience being little firefighters. The fire safety house will be on site for the event, and both kids and adults will have a chance to try out a fire hose and sit behind the wheel of the fire engine.
The open house runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 27 at the Benson Road fire station. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/25/fire-department-open-house-to-be-held-this-weekend/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/a64f721b52771b55edafa6082dd58f03103df81de7617df12251b2e9259a7d78.json |
[]
| 2016-08-26T18:47:01 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | By Judy Ross What’s happening with the new library? The short answer: lots is happening, but nothing that’s very visible. There are two strands, though | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Ffriends-of-the-library%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Friends of the Library | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | By Judy Ross
What’s happening with the new library?
The short answer: lots is happening, but nothing that’s very visible. There are two strands, though.
First, the funding line. The Friends of the Point Roberts Library have stopped actively raising funds, although we still receive and gratefully accept donations. The Point Roberts Park and Recreation District has placed an “up-to-$300,000” levy on the November 8 ballot. The reason for that “up-to” phrase is that by the time of the vote, we’ll have a much more solid idea of the actual costs. But the best estimate now is that to move to construction, we’ll need no more and perhaps less than $300,000. The total estimate also includes a 10 percent contingency, so the budget takes possible surprises into account.
The levy will set a one-time increase in property taxes of 51 cents per $1,000 of property assessment. Thus, in 2017, owners of a property assessed at $200,000 will pay, one time, no more than $102. And then we’ll all get a brand new library. Remember that no one is asking taxpayers to pay $840,000 for a new library.
The Friends have raised $540,000 in private donations from businesses, foundations and individuals. So property taxes will cover only about a third of the costs. If Bill Gates dropped by and offered to give us $540,000 to build a new library if property owners paid the final $300,000, we’d probably think, “That’s a good deal.”
Second, the construction line. We have final design drawings and a final budget. We began the permitting process in July. That is an ongoing process, but we are pleased to report that the county has accepted the current septic field, but will require a new septic tank. That is a small cost increase; requiring a new field would be a much bigger increase, so we are pleased with that outcome. In addition, we are not required to do any wetlands mitigation. Further, it looks like the issue of additional parking spaces will be resolved in our favor. We expect the rest to go through pretty routinely, but with permitting you never know. Stay tuned.
That’s what’s happening. We’re working on a “Vote Yes on the Levy” campaign; the parks district will be getting ready for construction bidding. It’s a big second stage. We’re glad that you’ve been with us so far, and hope for your continued support. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/friends-of-the-library/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/6a1037b3220d86a6c0c49ca0a03eb1a66f43e5798616388d1626b4e744fb129b.json |
[]
| 2016-08-26T20:46:55 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Taking advantage of recent sunny weather, these young kayakers get ready to set sail. Photo by Meg Olson | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fkayaking-kids%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | All Point Bulletin | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | Taking advantage of recent sunny weather, these young kayakers get ready to set sail.
Photo by Meg Olson | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/kayaking-kids/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/2dd2ec4645806d168370d865eeec24386d382b4ad2af7730f11dff820ca5bc6a.json |
[]
| 2016-08-26T20:47:00 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | By Meg Olson The Point Roberts Marina is starting off an ambitious program of dock replacement with T-dock at the far end of the basin. The old concrete | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fmarina-begins-dock-replacement%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Marina begins dock replacement | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | By Meg Olson
The Point Roberts Marina is starting off an ambitious program of dock replacement with T-dock at the far end of the basin.
The old concrete and wood docks are over 30 years old and in the case of T-dock have had to be buttressed with additional flotation to keep them from sinking. The crane that pulled the old floats out of the water weighed one of the larger ones at 14,000 pounds.
“They’re completely waterlogged,” said project manager Bob Jewell.
Manufactured in China by Shenzhen Potona Marina Engineering, the new floats were shipped to the Point in nine containers. The aluminum floats edged with rubber feature 50 percent open grating, according to marina manager Jacquelyne Everett, which allows for better light penetration into the marine environment. “We’ll also have brand new electrical pedestals which will have WiFi capability,” she added. The replacement of T-dock is expected to be complete by the end of September.
Wayne Knowles, the marina’s vice president of development, said the T-dock replacement cost was approximately $500,000. “Over the next few years we will be replacing all of the docks at a cost of approximately $10 million,” he said.
The schedule will rely on permitting and especially on when the state department of fish and wildlife sets windows to permit in-water work. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/marina-begins-dock-replacement/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/01e4d917c2f97f557d9c18990da668851b1ef4980d1d43cdd30d6d6ce9d2ff6e.json |
[]
| 2016-08-26T18:47:31 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Point Roberts Homegrown Co-op’s summer potluck on August 20 gave visitors a chance to taste different varieties of tomatos and take a photo in the Funky Veggie | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fhomegrown-co-op-hosts-potluck%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Homegrown co-op hosts potluck | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | Point Roberts Homegrown Co-op’s summer potluck on August 20 gave visitors a chance to taste different varieties of tomatos and take a photo in the Funky Veggie Photo Booth.
Photo by Louise Mugar | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/homegrown-co-op-hosts-potluck/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/d0612d6193d5db2f885d43ada946f0855774e963ac49b8bfc8f7c39c6a53b7dc.json |
[]
| 2016-08-26T12:56:14 | null | 2016-07-29T00:00:00 | By Meg Olson A proposal to reactivate the Province Road gravel pit is on hold at the county waiting for a revised plan from applicant and property owner | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F07%2F29%2Fcounty-places-gravel-pit-proposal-on-hold%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | County places gravel pit proposal on hold | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | By Meg Olson
A proposal to reactivate the Province Road gravel pit is on hold at the county waiting for a revised plan from applicant and property owner Jason McDougall.
On June 29, Whatcom County Planning and Development Service issued a Notice of Additional Requirements (NOAR), giving McDougall and his team 180 days to submit a new site plan and environmental checklist. The applicant is also being asked to “explain the apparent discrepancies” between the current submitted project description and the revised proposal. If there are significant changes, the applicant will again need to send notices to properties within 1,000 feet of property.
McDougall said his consultants were working to prepare the required documents for the new proposal, which he said would address some of the concerns raised at a June 14 meeting of the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee. “I wouldn’t have stood there for two hours answering questions if I wasn’t going to do that,” he said.
Discussing the NOAR at the July 12 PRCAC meeting, committee chair Joel Lantz said, “If you look at it, it’s almost like a brand new permit.” He added he had been in correspondence with McDougall, who said they no longer planned to be “rolling any trucks during the summer,” and that the proponent would forward the revised plans to the committee when they became available.
Lantz also spoke on the disparity between the number of comments the county had received on the conditional use application for the project – four – and the apparent level of community concern. “Come on, folks, if you have concerns you need to submit comments,” he said.
Committee member Keith Glading said he expected more comments would be forthcoming if the project is clarified in the new submittals.
“A lot of us are not wanting to make comments if we don’t know what we’re really commenting about,” he said. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/07/29/county-places-gravel-pit-proposal-on-hold/ | en | 2016-07-29T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/6abdb07cf8c5baad21b80caaeda61a1c6d202618d379ff7495dd4c5567a69611.json |
[]
| 2016-08-26T18:47:22 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | By Meg Olson The Point Roberts Park and Recreation District has taken emergency action to replace the failing septic system at the Gulf Road community center | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fparks-district-takes-emergency-action%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Parks district takes emergency action | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | By Meg Olson
The Point Roberts Park and Recreation District has taken emergency action to replace the failing septic system at the Gulf Road community center.
Though no action was taken at the regular August 8 meeting of the district board due to a lack of quorum, board chair Linda Hughes did declare a state of emergency to address the septic failure. Under a state of emergency, the usual bidding procedures can be foregone with; accordingly, Hughes has hired Joel Lantz to design a new system and to obtain permits from the county.
At a special meeting held August 15 to replace the regular meeting, board member Bennett Blaustein explained they had employed local contractor Ken Calder to clear out the lines to the drain field as best he could and Lantz had attempted to pressure test the system. “He said basically the system was failing,” Blaustein said. “It has to be addressed. It’s part of our mandate to keep the community center open.”
Hughes said while the failure was in the drain field it is likely an entire new system will be required. She said Lantz would prepare estimates for both a new system for the community center and a combined system for both the community center and Julius fire station. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/parks-district-takes-emergency-action/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/02bd6696b9a3511152718086f2e3212734677b7c77702cacd7f49a3fdee76c72.json |
[
"West End Bob"
]
| 2016-08-26T20:48:19 | null | 2016-08-19T02:46:00 | Congresswoman Suzan DelBene visited Point Roberts on Wednesday and spent an hour updating local residents on her work in Washington, D.C. and getting feedback | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fcongresswoman-checks-in-with-point-roberts%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Congresswoman lends an ear to Point Roberts | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | Congresswoman Suzan DelBene visited Point Roberts on Wednesday and spent an hour updating local residents on her work in Washington, D.C. and getting feedback to take with her as she heads back in September.
“The focus this session will really be on keeping the government funded,” she said at the August 17 town hall meeting hosted by the Point Roberts Taxpayers Association. “We haven’t passed a budget this year. I don’t expect a lot of things to move before the election. This is unfortunately a very contentious election cycle and even things both sides agree on may not move.”
DelBene congratulated the Point Roberts community for their successful efforts to stop a proposed radio tower project, which had been a focus of her last visit to the Point, and several audience members asked her to continue to support cross-border efforts. “We couldn’t have done it without the Canadians, both citizens and politicians,” said Arthur Reber, member of the Cross Border Coalition to Stop the Towers. He asked DelBene to work with British Columbia legislative assembly member Vicki Huntington to address issues of pollution and over-industrialization in Delta that will have impacts south of the border.
DelBene said she participates in the Northern Border Coalition which “provides a forum for us to work together with our colleagues across the border.” When asked if there had been any investigation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about the possible impacts that a proposed expansion of the Deltaport facility could have in Point Roberts and on the habitats that support the Pacific Flyway, DelBene said she would inquire and share that information with the community.
Jim MacKay, Point Roberts Marina project coordinator, said the company was hampered by its inability to hire Canadians for non-management positions, as had been possible under a visa waiver program created specifically for Point Roberts and discontinued when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took over running the port of entry from the Immigration and Naturalization Service. “We can’t be more than 70 percent productive because we can’t get staff,” he said.
DelBene said she had discussed the issue with DHS staff, who said they don’t feel they have the flexibility to put port-specific solutions in place without legislative direction. “We’re working on what opportunities there might be and what legislative solutions we can come up with that would be more targeted to this specific issue and not part of comprehensive immigration reform,” she said. “I know it’s very important to the economy and local business issues.”
From a more welcoming attitude in the booth to flexibility with length of stay in the U.S., audience members wanted the port of entry to be less of a barrier to people and dollars coming to the Point. “Our economy right now is based on Canadians coming down here and right now they’re not coming down because they’re being scared away by this rule about how many days you can stay,” said local contractor Bob Jewell. “That may be another unique issue to Point Roberts that will need a solution that is more targeted,” DelBene said, pointing out current DHS policies are written for all the nation’s borders.
Reber said new port director George Gibson was actively working to engage the community and try to develop solutions within his agency’s mandate. “If you have a problem, pull over and go talk to him,” he said.
A general discussion about trade policies led to questions about how changes to those policies could keep good jobs in local communities. “My kids would like to make a home here but they also want a good-paying job,” said one audience member. “We have grain going up to Canada, we have coal going up to Canada. Those should be jobs for Americans.”
“We need to make sure our ports are on an equal playing field,” DelBene agreed. “We have port capacity that isn’t being used.”
DelBene encouraged audience members to contact her office with any concerns or issues they may want assistance with. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/congresswoman-checks-in-with-point-roberts/ | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/ba6081d0c44f765ec3c288d7bd6df6c13dd5d2b940d4ae6dcc2fa17c76bd3e44.json |
[]
| 2016-08-26T18:47:37 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | By Sarah Sharp Members of the Blaine High School wind ensemble are mowing, scrubbing, babysitting, weeding and dog walking their way to Japan. Band parent | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fband-working-to-say-sayonara-were-going-to-japan%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Band working to say Sayonara, we’re going to Japan | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | By Sarah Sharp
Members of the Blaine High School wind ensemble are mowing, scrubbing, babysitting, weeding and dog walking their way to Japan.
Band parent Mary Lou Kelly calls it Blaine’s version of “Dirty Jobs.”
“Someone has to do it – why not us? BHS band kids know how to get it done and they are looking for work! Truly the nicest, most hardworking kids you could hope to hire. Big or little jobs – we can help.”
Her latest Facebook post reveals the band’s continued efforts to offset the $3,000 needed for each student and chaperone to travel to the prestigious Funabashi Music Festival in February 2017.
“Japanese band directors marvel at the fact that we have to do this,” band director Bob Gray said. “But honestly we have families who can’t open the checkbook and pay $3,000 to make this happen for their kids, so we’re trying to organize fundraising efforts so they can earn their way.”
Their upcoming trip marks the fifth time Blaine High School has been the only United States school band invited to perform at the Japanese festival. The first invitation came in 2003.
“We were honored, and after we played we were somewhat humbled,” Gray said. “We thought, if we ever have a chance to come back, we’ll come back even more prepared.”
That might mean a few more rehearsals along the way, but the students know what they’re getting into, he said.
By now, there’s an understanding among the band that they must each earn their ticket to Japan – and while the fundraising efforts of 50 students aren’t likely to touch $150,000, their strivings serve another purpose: strengthening character.
“This has totally inspired our students and changed for the better our band program,” Gray said. “Our younger kids know that we’ve taken the trip to Japan and they want to take the trip, and more than that, the older kids come back with a more developed work ethic.”
During their visit, pairs of students stay with Japanese host families, where they are immersed in a new culture.
For Gray, that’s the big takeaway. He’s seen former students go on to make their careers in teaching English in Japanese schools or joining the Peace Corps – all because of a high school band trip.
“I’m not really exaggerating when I say for the most of the kids we’ve brought, it’s changed them permanently, in terms of seeing the world with a broader set of eyes, and maybe more open arms, I’m hoping,” he said.
In addition to accepting individual and group work, the band will host several fundraising events through the year, including an ongoing estate sale, a golf day at the Dakota Creek Golf Course and an all-ages dance with popular Bellingham band The Atlantics.
For now, the countdown to Japan is on.
For more information about employing BHS band students, call Mary Lou Kelly at 360/332-1617. To donate, contact Dorita Gray at [email protected]. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/band-working-to-say-sayonara-were-going-to-japan/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/91561ee5b5557fcff38a7b32f1db0bb73cce515579e3a9151d60e10bca20726b.json |
[]
| 2016-08-26T18:47:46 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The slate of officers for the Point Roberts Taxpayers’ Association looks pretty familiar. At the association’s August 15 meeting members voted to keep Mark | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Ftaxpayers-association-appoints-officers%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Taxpayers association appoints officers | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | The slate of officers for the Point Roberts Taxpayers’ Association looks pretty familiar. At the association’s August 15 meeting members voted to keep Mark Robbins, l., as president and Jennifer Urquhart, r., as treasurer. Arthur Reber will retain his role as vice president until another member steps forward to fill the slot, but has also taken on the role of secretary.
Photo by Meg Olson | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/taxpayers-association-appoints-officers/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/b262eec09668bc1aed5fac1f2f4c7c8888f81194ececcdeb8cefa4fcfca9b0a8.json |
[
"Doug Malcolm",
"Bill Stevenson",
"Judy Ross",
"Teresa Tiemstra",
"Greg Carr",
"Christina Anthony",
"Brent Postlethwaite"
]
| 2016-08-26T12:55:18 | null | 2014-11-05T22:31:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2Fask-us%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | All Point Bulletin | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | null | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/ask-us/ | en | 2014-11-05T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/001e62fb314de1eeab6ffe253260a93d6df7836edbcb2d1f2f402c5a163dde9c.json |
[]
| 2016-08-26T12:58:51 | null | 2015-07-03T04:58:00 | The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced summer crab-fishing seasons for Puget Sound, starting June 1 with an opening in Marine Area 13 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2015%2F06%2F26%2Fits-almost-time-to-eat-crab%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | It’s almost time to eat crab | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced summer crab-fishing seasons for Puget Sound, starting June 1 with an opening in Marine Area 13 south of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Most other areas of the sound will open for recreational crab fishing July 2, although two areas around the San Juan Islands open later in summer to protect molting crab.
Seasons for the upcoming fishery are posted on WDFW’s crab fishing website at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/crab/. The website includes details on fishing regulations, as well as an educational video on crabbing.
Recent test fisheries indicate that crab in southern Puget Sound are in hard-shell condition, allowing for an early start to the fishing season in that area, Childers said.
“Sport crabbers in that area have fallen short of reaching their catch quota in recent years, so we can afford to give them more time to fish during the upcoming season,” Childers said.
Crabbers should check the department’s website for any announcements, Childers emphasized.
The daily limit for crab fishers throughout Puget Sound is five Dungeness crab, males only, in hard-shell condition with a minimum carapace width of 6.25 inches. Fishers may catch six red rock crab of either sex per day, provided those crab measure at least 5 inches across.
Below is the Puget Sound summer crab-fishing schedule for Marine Area 7:
Marine Area 7 South (San Juan Islands/Bellingham) – Open July 16 through September 28. Crabbing is allowed Thursdays through Mondays each week; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Marine Area 7 North (Gulf of Georgia, Point Roberts) – Open August 13 through September 28. Crabbing is allowed Thursdays through Mondays each week; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Crab fishers may not set or pull shellfish gear from a vessel from one hour after official sunset to one hour before official sunrise. All shellfish gear must be removed from the water on closed days.
Childers reminds Puget Sound crabbers that they are required to record their harvest of Dungeness crab on their catch record cards immediately after retaining crab. Separate catch record cards are issued for the summer and winter seasons. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2015/06/26/its-almost-time-to-eat-crab/ | en | 2015-07-03T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/79c1a1db371c93ba5abd67a61202940c4edc25339b7fb2d7d68dda5b53696052.json |
[]
| 2016-08-26T20:47:02 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | After competing for three years in The Reef’s cardboard boat race, it was time to say goodbye to this boat to make room for a new one for next year’s race. From | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fcardboard-boat-races-2016%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Cardboard Boat Races 2016 | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | After competing for three years in The Reef’s cardboard boat race, it was time to say goodbye to this boat to make room for a new one for next year’s race. From left, Devin Ogg, Darrell Cassidy and Melissa Meyer. Photo by Louise Cassidy
The winner of the The Reef’s Cardboard Boat Race on August 17 for the second year in a row was Jakeob Keller. Photo by Louise Mugar | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/cardboard-boat-races-2016/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/2ba013f9a48fba88862bf8ead5946750c0e712fd6707835c4f54d13d047e0add.json |
[]
| 2016-08-26T20:46:51 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | By Gina Gaudet While walking the trails at Lily Point, I reflect on the words of Jesus found in Matthew and Luke, which are sometimes described as “teachings | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allpointbulletin.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fchurch-news-september-2016%2F.json | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/favicon.jpg | en | null | Church News September 2016 | null | null | www.allpointbulletin.com | By Gina Gaudet
While walking the trails at Lily Point, I reflect on the words of Jesus found in Matthew and Luke, which are sometimes described as “teachings on anxiety.”
“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”
This passage invites us into a restful, easy relationship with our creator, trusting in divine providence over the fruits of our labors. These ideas come to us in another form:
“Look at the optimism of Nature. Nothing can stop it. Only the ego makes humans pessimistic, and this causes suffering.” (Amma)
We go into nature for many reasons; it calms us, refreshes us, inspires us; it can relieve our suffering and bring us peace. Perhaps, more than sense perceptions, or lack of noise and busyness, consider that it is the utter lack of ego in the natural world that brings us the peace that we seek.
Trees have no ego investment in their size, nor do the flowers in their beauty, nor the blackberries in their juiciness. They just are. They not only remind us of the power of pure and simple presence in the great scheme of things, they also invite us to join them in the freedom of
egoless being.
So the next time you enter the forest or wander at the edge of the ocean, consider that you are entering an “ego-free zone” and feel the embrace of the peace that it offers.
The Power of Music: These lively, inspiring events include live concert footage on video, followed by food, fellowship and discussion. They are hosted by Fred Culbert on the third Saturday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Trinity sanctuary. Our fall lineup looks like this:
September 17: Johnny Cash “In Concert.” This is a tribute concert with performances by Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Chris Isaac, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett and many more.
October 15: Andre Rieu, live in concert in Tuscany.
November 19: Bruce Springsteen tribute concert (more details to come).
Youth Philosopher’s Café: Saturday, September 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m. An evening of thought-provoking conversation, homemade baked goods, hot beverages and atmospheric guitar music. No previous philosophy experience necessary!
Trinity Concert Schedule: December 10, 7 p.m., featuring Elizabeth McBurney (flute) and Tony Chotem (classical guitar). This professional duo will be gifting us with music to remember forever. A reception in the parish hall will follow. | http://www.allpointbulletin.com/2016/08/26/church-news-september-2016/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.allpointbulletin.com/40c04f60fd086d980fedde9951654c86cd7276008efefa509edcd9ab6f7267db.json |
[
"Baigorri Argitaletxea Sa"
]
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[]
| 2016-08-26T12:58:18 | null | 2015-04-18T23:42:27 | A VILLAGE official died while three others were injured when the vehicle they were riding plunged into a 100 meters deep ravine in a west coast village of Zamboanga City, an official said Saturday.
Superintendent Diomarie Albarico, Police Station 7 chief, said the accident occurred around 8:05 a.m. Saturday at Sitio Tumanday in the village of Capisan, 15.03 kilometers west of City Hall.
Albarico identified the fatality as Rolando Ramirez, village councilman of Capisan. The latter was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sunstar.com.ph%2Fzamboanga%2Flocal-news%2F2015%2F04%2F18%2Fvillage-official-dies-3-hurt-accident-403195.json | http://www.sunstar.com.ph/sites/default/files/og/sunstar-zamboanga-og.png | en | null | Village official dies, 3 hurt in accident | null | null | www.sunstar.com.ph | A VILLAGE official died while three others were injured when the vehicle they were riding plunged into a 100 meters deep ravine in a west coast village of Zamboanga City, an official said Saturday.
Superintendent Diomarie Albarico, Police Station 7 chief, said the accident occurred around 8:05 a.m. Saturday at Sitio Tumanday in the village of Capisan, 15.03 kilometers west of City Hall.
Albarico identified the fatality as Rolando Ramirez, village councilman of Capisan. The latter was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Wounded were Joseph Fernandez, 39, driver; Erolyn Bernardo, 34, village watchman; and, Carmelita Macoycruz, 49, a barangay worker.
Albarico said investigation showed the L-300 van of Capisan village council plunged into the deep ravine when Fernandez evaded an incoming motorcycle while they were rushing Ramirez to the hospital.
He said Ramirez suffered stroke prior to the accident that also destroyed the vehicle. | http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2015/04/18/village-official-dies-3-hurt-accident-403195 | en | 2015-04-18T00:00:00 | www.sunstar.com.ph/93367b19a5cd8fe90ada3020ea76bbd82a406d0c6ec813975c7421d08b92fd5a.json |
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| 2016-08-26T12:53:10 | null | 2015-04-18T23:42:00 | JOINT police and military operatives have arrested a leader of a kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, an official announced Saturday.
Arrested was Hussien Madi, 47, who carries the alias of Commander Rambo, Cobra and Long Hair, who is listed at the Top 4 most wanted persons in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Senior Superintendent Jose Bayani Gucela, Zamboanga Sibugay police director, said Madi was arrested during a law enforcement operation around 4 a.m. Friday in the village of Sta. Maria, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sunstar.com.ph%2Fzamboanga%2Flocal-news%2F2015%2F04%2F18%2Fkidnap-group-leader-falls-403194.json | http://www.sunstar.com.ph/sites/default/files/og/sunstar-zamboanga-og.png | en | null | Kidnap group leader falls | null | null | www.sunstar.com.ph | JOINT police and military operatives have arrested a leader of a kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, an official announced Saturday.
Arrested was Hussien Madi, 47, who carries the alias of Commander Rambo, Cobra and Long Hair, who is listed at the Top 4 most wanted persons in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Senior Superintendent Jose Bayani Gucela, Zamboanga Sibugay police director, said Madi was arrested during a law enforcement operation around 4 a.m. Friday in the village of Sta. Maria, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Gucela said the arrested suspect has a standing warrant of arrest for multiple murder with frustrated murder and theft.
He said Madi belongs to a KFRG headed by Commander Itting Abas that operates in Zamboanga Sibugay and in nearby provinces. | http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2015/04/18/kidnap-group-leader-falls-403194 | en | 2015-04-18T00:00:00 | www.sunstar.com.ph/0a459eb304066dba0b8fc125317a1d748937c2cc17ee9f5bc42f35e9eda10136.json |
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| 2016-08-26T12:53:40 | null | 2015-04-19T00:03:25 | LYKA Villamor, 28, left Davao City for a job opportunity in Cebu with the hope of being able to meet her infant’s needs, but she was arrested yesterday afternoon while on duty—in a betting station for an illegal numbers game.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7, led by head agent Rennan Oliva, arrested four women and four men in separate anti-illegal gambling operations from Friday night until yesterday afternoon.
Most of them hailed from Davao City, although they worked for different operators namely, Green Star and Mercury. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sunstar.com.ph%2Fcebu%2Flocal-news%2F2015%2F04%2F19%2Fbad-bets-nbi-gets-8-persons-linked-illegal-gambling-403196.json | http://www.sunstar.com.ph/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/article/swertres.jpg?itok=QXMwslzN | en | null | Bad bets: NBI gets 8 persons linked to illegal gambling | null | null | www.sunstar.com.ph | LYKA Villamor, 28, left Davao City for a job opportunity in Cebu with the hope of being able to meet her infant’s needs, but she was arrested yesterday afternoon while on duty—in a betting station for an illegal numbers game.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7, led by head agent Rennan Oliva, arrested four women and four men in separate anti-illegal gambling operations from Friday night until yesterday afternoon.
Most of them hailed from Davao City, although they worked for different operators namely, Green Star and Mercury.
NBI 7 Assistant Director Augusto Eric Isidoro said these are not the only illegal operators of “suertres”, a game that only the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Offfice (PCSO) is authorized to run. It does so thrice a day.
Isidoro named two other companies: Crystal Base and Pioneer.
Brothers caught
Nabbed yesterday afternoon were Aze Villanueva, 26, and Naejal Torres, 18, from Mercury stations; and Laurence Quizones, 19, and Villamor of Green Star.
Green Star’s Dorai Agustin, 18, Sheila Rodriguez, 25, and Rey Anne Momo, 23, were also arrested the night before. So was Brandon Torres, 23, of Mercury, whose brother Naejal was arrested yesterday.
The operations were held in Barrio Luz and Lahug in Cebu City.
Isidoro told reporters that the proliferation of these illegal betting stations in Cebu and the complaints they received from authorized PCSO lotto stations spurred them to conduct the operations.
“Ang iba malapit lang sa (Some are situated near the) betting stations ng PCSO,” he said, adding that the number of customers of authorized outlets reportedly dwindled because of the illegal operations.
Isidoro said that these illegal betting stations now operate almost like the authorized ones, with computers, cash registers and printed receipts for those who bet. Unlike the authorized ones, however, the illegal stations don’t pay any tax for their proceeds.
While most of those arrested hailed from Davao City, Isidoro said the illegal business has spread through several parts of the country.
Financiers
He cited a report that there are 200 to 300 operators of illegal “suertres” in the region. He mentioned Dumaguete City as one of the toughest areas—with “people in high places backing them up”—together with Bogo City in Cebu and the island of Bohol.
The collectors, he said, may be charged with violation of Presidential Decree 1602 for illegal gambling and Republic Act 9287.
Each of them may face a fine of up to 10 years of imprisonment, while their operators, if caught, will be imprisoned for up to 20 years.
The collectors did not reveal anything about their operators when asked, he said.
“Hindi sila nagbabanggit (They did not disclose anything),” he said. “Kadalasan ‘yung financier nagpo-post ng bail para makalabas sila, tapos babalik na naman sila (In most cases, the financier posts their bail so they can resume their operations).”
The collectors agreed on one reason they accepted the job: poverty.
Villamor, a mother, said she was invited by a certain Janet and accepted because she had “nowhere to go for a source of income,” having attained only two years of high school education.
She was a trainee for Green Star before she was arrested.
Tough choice
She had thought that this could be an opportunity for her to support her infant, who was left in the care of a friend in Davao City. Her parents have long passed away.
The monthly compensation for a collector in Green Star is P3,000, said Rodriguez.
Like Villamor, Rodriquez said she knew the job was illegal but accepted it anyway.
“Pait kaayong kinabuhi didto,” she said. “Wala’y trabaho, sige lag pondo (Life is tough there. I didn’t have a job and was idle most of the time).”
The NBI, Isidoro said, will continue to conduct operations against illegal numbers games if the problem continues to persist. It will be hard work.
“Kasi limited ang manpower namin (Our manpower is limited),” he added.
The total amount of cash confiscated from the eight collectors was P20,916. Also taken from them were laptops, desktop computers, printers, calculators, betting slips, tally sheets, winning results, cash registers, tapes and staplers. | http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2015/04/19/bad-bets-nbi-gets-8-persons-linked-illegal-gambling-403196 | en | 2015-04-19T00:00:00 | www.sunstar.com.ph/40d1ab9352b19f70f690f6370ca7f414df04f65fdc21ce5b5fa983032de696a2.json |
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| 2016-08-26T12:55:33 | null | 2015-04-18T23:22:46 | THE chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) urged Metro Cebu’s leaders to join hands and learn from the failures of Metro Manila.
MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino urged Cebu’s leaders to organize a Cebu Urban Summit and plan for the island’s traffic, drainage, sewerage and road network development in the next 5-20 years.
“It is now the best time to take off ‘metropolitanizing’ Cebu in terms of structure and delivery of basic services,” Tolentino said in his speech during the general assembly of the Cebu News Workers Multi-Purpose Cooperative yesterday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sunstar.com.ph%2Fcebu%2Flocal-news%2F2015%2F04%2F18%2F%25E2%2580%2598learn-mistakes%25E2%2580%2599-403192.json | http://www.sunstar.com.ph/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/article/mmda.jpg?itok=dq7QOyJI | en | null | ‘Learn from mistakes’ | null | null | www.sunstar.com.ph | THE chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) urged Metro Cebu’s leaders to join hands and learn from the failures of Metro Manila.
MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino urged Cebu’s leaders to organize a Cebu Urban Summit and plan for the island’s traffic, drainage, sewerage and road network development in the next 5-20 years.
“It is now the best time to take off ‘metropolitanizing’ Cebu in terms of structure and delivery of basic services,” Tolentino said in his speech during the general assembly of the Cebu News Workers Multi-Purpose Cooperative yesterday.
“Metro Manila was never conceptualized as one big urban area from the very beginning. Na-develop na lang yan (It just developed),” he said.
He encouraged Cebu’s leaders to study problems in traffic, drainage and sewerage, without thinking of current political boundaries.
“To attain success, you have to have unity,” said the chairman of the Metro Manila council, which is composed of 17 mayors. On the day he assumed office, he recalled, he talked to all 17 and assured them of his help.
One of the mayors is a former president of the Philippines; another is the son of the vice president. One is the wife of a senator; one, a mother of a senator; and one is the son of a former chairman of the elections commission.
Tolentino urged Cebu’s mayors not to focus their attention on the traffic in Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Danao or Cebu City alone, but the whole Metro Cebu.
“It should be viewed in the entire perspective (of the metropolis) five, 10, 15 or 20 years from now. Yun po ang hindi nagawa sa Metro Manila (That’s one thing that did not get done in Metro Manila),” he said.
Tolentino earlier proposed the creation of a Department of Drainage and Sewerage, like that in Hong Kong, but his idea failed to get traction.
“Kaya po kami nagkaganito dahil iba-iba po yung nasimulan. Ngayon lang namin sini-synchronize (We started off in several directions, which is why we have such problems now. We’re only starting to synchronize),” he said.
He pointed out that the width of roads differs in the cities of Caloocan, Quezon, Navotas and Malabon. Now, they are opening wide circumferential roads, like C1, C2, C3 and C4, all over the metropolis to ease the traffic.
“Cebu will grow and progress whether you like it or not,” he said.
At present, Cebu has the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB), composed of seven city mayors and six town mayors. It has technical working groups assisted by the Japan International Cooperating Agency (Jica), which is working on road maps for urban development.
The MCDCB has seven sub-road maps for competitiveness enhancement; urban structure and land use; urban transport and highways; water supply and disposal management; solid waste management; smart development of the South Road Properties; and metropolitan administration. | http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2015/04/18/%E2%80%98learn-mistakes%E2%80%99-403192 | en | 2015-04-18T00:00:00 | www.sunstar.com.ph/1154e2812e36c94306db0642f6e15d8159b1e1d0ba092dcd67bea93638782b23.json |
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| 2016-08-26T12:54:38 | null | 2015-09-04T16:10:07 | BOSTON -- Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was convicted on all charges Wednesday in the Boston Marathon bombing by a jury that will now decide whether the 21-year-old should be executed or shown mercy for what his lawyer says was a crime masterminded by his big brother.
The former college student stood with his hands folded, fidgeted and looked down at the defense table in federal court as he listened to the word "guilty" recited on all 30 counts against him, including conspiracy and deadly use of a weapon of mass destruction. Seventeen of those counts are punishable by death. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sunstar.com.ph%2Fnetwork%2Fnews%2F2015%2F04%2F09%2Ftsarnaev-guilty-all-charges-boston-marathon-bombing-401602.json | http://www.sunstar.com.ph/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/article/tsarnaev_0.jpg?itok=95uAU4an | en | null | Tsarnaev guilty on all charges in Boston Marathon bombing | null | null | www.sunstar.com.ph | BOSTON -- Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was convicted on all charges Wednesday in the Boston Marathon bombing by a jury that will now decide whether the 21-year-old should be executed or shown mercy for what his lawyer says was a crime masterminded by his big brother.
The former college student stood with his hands folded, fidgeted and looked down at the defense table in federal court as he listened to the word "guilty" recited on all 30 counts against him, including conspiracy and deadly use of a weapon of mass destruction. Seventeen of those counts are punishable by death.
The verdict, reached after a day and a half of deliberations, was practically a foregone conclusion, given his lawyer's startling admission at the trial's outset that Tsarnaev carried out the terror attack with his now-dead older brother, Tamerlan.
The 12-member jury must be unanimous for Tsarnaev to receive a death sentenced; otherwise the penalty will be life behind bars.
The defense strategy is to try to save Tsarnaev's life in the upcoming penalty phase by arguing he fell under the evil influence of his brother.
Prosecutors, however, portrayed the brothers — ethnic Chechens who moved to the United States from Russia more than a decade ago — as full partners in a brutal and coldblooded plan to punish the US for its wars in Muslim countries. Jihadist writings, lectures and videos were found on both their computers, though the defense argued that Tamerlan downloaded the material and sent it to his brother.
The two shrapnel-packed pressure-cooker bombs that exploded near the finish line on April 15, 2013, killed three spectators and wounded more than 260 other people, turning the traditionally celebratory home stretch of the world-famous race into a scene of carnage and putting the city on edge for days.
Tsarnaev was found responsible not only for those deaths but for the killing of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology police officer who was gunned down days later.
"It's not a happy occasion, but it's something," said Karen Brassard, who suffered shrapnel wounds on her legs. "One more step behind us."
She said Tsarnaev appeared "arrogant" and uninterested during the trial, and she wasn't surprised when she saw no remorse on his face as the verdicts were read. She refused to say whether she believes he deserves the death penalty, but she rejected the defense argument that he was simply following his brother's lead.
"He was in college. He was a grown man who knew what the consequences would be," Brassard said. "I believe he was 'all in' with the brother."
Tsarnaev's lawyers left the courthouse without commenting.
In the penalty phase, which could begin as early as Monday, the jury will hear evidence on whether he should get the death penalty or spend the rest of his life in prison.
Defense attorney Judy Clarke argued that Tsarnaev was led astray by his radicalized brother, telling the jury: "If not for Tamerlan, it would not have happened." She repeatedly referred to Dzhokhar — then 19 — as a "kid" and a "teenager."
Tamerlan, 26, died when he was shot by police and run over by his brother during a chaotic getaway attempt days after the bombing.
The government called 92 witnesses over 15 days, painting a hellish scene of torn-off limbs, blood-spattered pavement, ghastly screams and the smell of sulfur and burned hair.
Survivors gave heartbreaking testimony about losing legs in the blasts or watching people die. The father of 8-year-old Martin Richard described making the agonizing decision to leave his mortally wounded son so he could get help for their 6-year-old daughter, whose leg had been blown off.
In the courtroom Wednesday, Denise Richard, the boy's mother, wiped tears from her face after the verdict. The boy's father, Bill Richard, embraced one of the prosecutors.
In Russia, Tsarnaev's father, Anzor Tsarnaev, told The Associated Press in recent days that he would have no comment.
The others killed in the bombing were Lingzi Lu, a 23-year-old Chinese graduate student at Boston University, and Krystle Campbell, a 29-year-old restaurant manager. MIT Officer Sean Collier was shot to death at close range days later.
Some of the most damning evidence at the trial included video showing Tsarnaev planting a backpack containing one of the bombs near where the eight-year-old boy was standing, and incriminating statements scrawled inside the dry-docked boat where a wounded and bleeding Tsarnaev was captured days after the tragedy.
"Stop killing our innocent people and we will stop," he wrote.
Tsarnaev's lawyers barely cross-examined the government's witnesses and called just four people to the stand over less than two days, all in an effort to portray the older brother as the guiding force in the plot.
According to defense testimony, phone records showed Dzhokhar was at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth while his brother was buying bomb components, including pressure cookers and BBs. Tamerlan's computer showed search terms such as "detonator" and "transmitter and receiver," while Dzhokhar was largely spending time on Facebook and other social media sites. And Tamerlan's fingerprints, but not Dzhokhar's, were found on pieces of the two bombs.
Tsarnaev's lawyers tried repeatedly to get the trial moved out of Boston because of the heavy publicity and the widespread trauma. But opposition to capital punishment is strong in Massachusetts, which abolished its state death penalty in 1984, and some polls have suggested a majority of Bostonians do not want to see Tsarnaev sentenced to die.
During the penalty phase, Tsarnaev's lawyers will present so-called mitigating evidence they hope will save his life. That could include evidence about his family, his relationship with his brother, and his childhood in the former Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan and later in the volatile Dagestan region of Russia. (AP) | http://www.sunstar.com.ph/network/news/2015/04/09/tsarnaev-guilty-all-charges-boston-marathon-bombing-401602 | en | 2015-09-04T00:00:00 | www.sunstar.com.ph/3492509ef7d62005c6d5da2fca80b397ad4dab318c1b397f72618d3f3e8abada.json |
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| 2016-08-26T12:56:01 | null | 2015-09-04T19:40:26 | PUERTO PRINCESA CITY -- The world's richest man, Bill Gates, and his family reportedly spent a brief summer vacation in Palawan, where he visited Amanpulo Resort and El Nido town.
The Gates family spent three days in the island after arriving early morning of April 6 via a Global Express private plane, reports said. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sunstar.com.ph%2Fnetwork%2Flocal-news%2F2015%2F04%2F09%2Fbill-gates-visits-palawan-401639.json | http://www.sunstar.com.ph/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/article/bill-gates_0.jpg?itok=X3rob54s | en | null | Bill Gates visits Palawan | null | null | www.sunstar.com.ph | PUERTO PRINCESA CITY -- The world's richest man, Bill Gates, and his family reportedly spent a brief summer vacation in Palawan, where he visited Amanpulo Resort and El Nido town.
The Gates family spent three days in the island after arriving early morning of April 6 via a Global Express private plane, reports said.
Eyewitnesses at the Puerto Princesa City Airport told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that as soon as the family arrived, they boarded a privately-hired helicopter, assisted by retired police superintendent Edgar Iglasia, who was tasked to ensure their security and safety while in Palawan.
Onlookers claimed that that the Gates’ chopper flew to high-end island resort Amanpulo on Pamalican, which is part of the Quiniluban Group of Cuyo islands and islets, north of the province.
Amanpulo is a secluded island resort overlooking the Sulu Sea and has been frequented by the rich and famous, as it is secluded and has unique character as a vacation getaway.
Aside from Amanpulo, the Gates also went to El Nido to check the island, where the Microsoft founder reportedly plans to invest with Filipino partners.
Bill Gates and his family flew Wednesday back to Metro Manila.
According to an aircraft security procedure document obtained by the PNA, no one was allowed to come near the Global Express plane except the crew and the international security team. (PNA) | http://www.sunstar.com.ph/network/local-news/2015/04/09/bill-gates-visits-palawan-401639 | en | 2015-09-04T00:00:00 | www.sunstar.com.ph/5ae64bf17dcb1ca1a76fc7da2aa7bd79098cc5f0b0fb365f09d0292bb205378f.json |
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| 2016-08-26T12:58:43 | null | 2015-09-04T16:44:15 | NEW YORK -- An NBA player, his girlfriend and another woman were stabbed early Wednesday following an argument on the street near a Manhattan nightclub that also led to the arrest of two other players, authorities said.
Indiana Pacers forward Chris Copeland, 31, was stabbed in the left elbow and abdomen. Copeland made his NBA debut with the New York Knicks at the relatively late age of 28 after playing in Europe for several years. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sunstar.com.ph%2Fnetwork%2Fsports%2F2015%2F04%2F09%2Fpolice-nba-player-stabbed-outside-nyc-nightclub-401604.json | http://www.sunstar.com.ph/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/article/chris-copeland_0.jpg?itok=crM-b_Ve | en | null | Police: NBA player stabbed outside NYC nightclub | null | null | www.sunstar.com.ph | NEW YORK -- An NBA player, his girlfriend and another woman were stabbed early Wednesday following an argument on the street near a Manhattan nightclub that also led to the arrest of two other players, authorities said.
Indiana Pacers forward Chris Copeland, 31, was stabbed in the left elbow and abdomen. Copeland made his NBA debut with the New York Knicks at the relatively late age of 28 after playing in Europe for several years.
Pacers coach Frank Vogel said Copeland had surgery on his elbow and abdomen and would be hospitalized overnight. He added it wasn't known yet if Copeland would miss the remainder of the season.
The violence erupted just before 4 a.m. outside 1Oak Club, a trendy Chelsea spot where celebs such as Justin Bieber and Snoop Dogg mingle with partygoers, police said.
The couple was arguing on the street as the attacker eavesdropped and started to interfere, according to police. The dispute escalated until the 22-year-old suspect pulled out a knife and started slashing, police said. Copeland's driver grabbed the suspect and held him until officers arrived.
The suspect, Shezoy Bleary, was in custody, authorities said. Police said charges were pending, and it wasn't clear whether Bleary had an attorney who could comment on them.
Katrine Saltara was slashed in the arm and across the breast. The second woman, who was believed to be with the attacker, was slashed in the abdomen. The victims were hospitalized and in stable condition, police said. Police recovered a switchblade at the scene.
Atlanta Hawks players Pero Antic, 33, and Thabo Sefolosha, 30, who were not with Copeland but were also at the club, were arrested after police said they blocked officers from trying to start their investigation. The teammates were in town to play the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. The team arrived late Tuesday, after beating the Phoenix Suns in Atlanta.
Antic and Sefolosha were released without bail after a brief court appearance where they were charged with obstructing governmental authority and disorderly conduct. Their attorney, Alex Spiro, said they did not commit any crime.
"They should not have been arrested. We fully expect the case to be dismissed," he said.
The players issued a joint statement through the team, apologizing for any embarrassment they caused. The arrests were an unwanted distraction for a team that is less than two weeks away from starting the postseason.
The Hawks said neither Antic nor Sefolosha would play against the Nets. Sefolosha was limping during his court appearance and Spiro said he had been injured during the arrest. Coach Mike Budenholzer said the reserve would have his ankle checked.
The players issued a joint statement through the team, apologizing for any embarrassment they caused. The arrests were an unwanted distraction for a team that is less than two weeks away from starting the postseason.
"As members of the Atlanta Hawks, we hold ourselves to a high standard and take our roles as professionals very seriously," the statement said. "We will contest these charges and look forward to communicating the facts of the situation at the appropriate time."
The Pacers were in town to play the Knicks; Copeland played with New York during the 2012-13 season.
Copeland has played infrequently, missing 21 games since Jan. 31. With All-Star Paul George making his season debut Sunday, Copeland's already limited minutes were expected to get cut. Police initially said Saltara was his wife, but Copeland's agent said the two were not married.
According to Saltara's Facebook page, they have been engaged for several months.
In a statement, the club disputed the police account. It said the altercation stemmed from a dispute at a public housing project about two blocks away from the nightspot and that Copeland's driver grabbed the suspect, who was later arrested.
The club did not say how Copeland got back to the front of the club on West 17th Street, where the street was splattered with blood from the altercation. (AP) | http://www.sunstar.com.ph/network/sports/2015/04/09/police-nba-player-stabbed-outside-nyc-nightclub-401604 | en | 2015-09-04T00:00:00 | www.sunstar.com.ph/695700819a4bc939e8f73ee024d8c693f4fd29522a8e6710d82825624c0f96ea.json |
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| 2016-08-26T12:57:28 | null | 2015-04-18T23:41:34 | THE Zamboanga City Government has completed the construction of a P9.8 million slope protection project in a west coast village of this city.
Belen Sheila Covarrubias, City Hall information officer, said the newly-completed project is located at the San Roe Subdivision in the village of San Jose-Gusu, 3.20 kilometers west of City Hall.
Covarrubias said the slope protection project is a facility intended to mitigate effects of flooding during rainy season as the village of San Jose Gusu is a flood-prone area. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sunstar.com.ph%2Fzamboanga%2Flocal-news%2F2015%2F04%2F18%2Fcity-completes-p98m-project-403193.json | http://www.sunstar.com.ph/sites/default/files/og/sunstar-zamboanga-og.png | en | null | City completes P9.8M project | null | null | www.sunstar.com.ph | THE Zamboanga City Government has completed the construction of a P9.8 million slope protection project in a west coast village of this city.
Belen Sheila Covarrubias, City Hall information officer, said the newly-completed project is located at the San Roe Subdivision in the village of San Jose-Gusu, 3.20 kilometers west of City Hall.
Covarrubias said the slope protection project is a facility intended to mitigate effects of flooding during rainy season as the village of San Jose Gusu is a flood-prone area.
She said the project, which was undertaken by a local private contractor, covers an area of 729 linear meters.
She said the newly-completed project was inaugurated and turned over on Thursday to the San Jose-Gusu officials headed by village chief Joel Esteban. | http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2015/04/18/city-completes-p98m-project-403193 | en | 2015-04-18T00:00:00 | www.sunstar.com.ph/c0b15aff08876f3283528caf050e979dd41327670c696b8292752a55343c50ea.json |
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| 2016-08-26T12:52:41 | null | 2015-04-19T00:06:20 | A PUBLIC school teacher in Compostela, Cebu was arrested in Mandaue City yesterday afternoon for allegedly recruiting three girls to have sex with foreigners last year.
Personnel from Canduman Police Station arrested Flor Marie Baring, 35, a resident of Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, outside a mall around 1:30 p.m. by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by a Mandaue City judge last February.
Her arrest stemmed from a human trafficking complaint filed by three high school students sometime last year. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sunstar.com.ph%2Fcebu%2Flocal-news%2F2015%2F04%2F19%2Fteacher-%25E2%2580%2598sold-girls-sex%25E2%2580%2599-403197.json | http://www.sunstar.com.ph/sites/default/files/og/sunstar-cebu-og.png | en | null | Teacher ‘sold girls for sex’ | null | null | www.sunstar.com.ph | A PUBLIC school teacher in Compostela, Cebu was arrested in Mandaue City yesterday afternoon for allegedly recruiting three girls to have sex with foreigners last year.
Personnel from Canduman Police Station arrested Flor Marie Baring, 35, a resident of Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, outside a mall around 1:30 p.m. by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by a Mandaue City judge last February.
Her arrest stemmed from a human trafficking complaint filed by three high school students sometime last year.
Lawyer Noemi Abarientos of the Children’s Legal Bureau, a non-profit organization that handles the case, said that three girls, ages 14 to 16, accused Baring of bringing them to a hotel in Cebu City to have paid sex with a foreigner.
Baring, a mother of two, denied the allegation.
In an interview with Sun.Star Cebu, Baring said she never recruited any girls for prostitution.
“It’s politically motivated,” the teacher said of the girls’ complaint.
She said that a barangay captain had threatened her she would lose her job because of a remark she made about vote-buying.
She also filed a complaint for oral defamation against someone close to the barangay captain, whom she refused to name.
Police detained Baring at the Subangdaku Police Station.
Warrant
Abarientos said the teacher will be brought to the court tomorrow. Her arraignment will be scheduled.
Judge Mercedita Dadole-Ygnacio of the Mandaue City Regional Trial Court Branch 28 issued an arrest warrant against Baring last Feb. 27.
Abarientos said they only learned about the arrest warrant last week.
The lawyer said that Baring may have more victims apart from the three girls who came forward. She requested that the school where Baring taught and the victims attend not be named.
Abarientos said the teacher would accompany the minor to a hotel in Cebu City and would even stay in the room as her client sexually abused the minor.
She said Baring targeted students who had financial problems.
The three girls who executed affidavits against the teacher continue to attend school and live with their families. They reside in Liloan, Cebu.
She demands proof
“We are conducting home visits and we are including them in group psychotherapy sessions for sexually abused minors,” said Abarientos.
Baring said the girls made fabricated stories against her.
In an affidavit she showed to Sun.Star Cebu, she said one of the complainants was lying.
“In her affidavit, (one of the complainants) alleged that she lost her virginity to the foreigner but there was no medical certificate attached to prove it. If indeed there was really penetration and it was forced on her because she claimed that she was in extreme pain, she should prove it. It might not exonerate me from the charges of human trafficking but it will prove that she was lying,” her affidavit read.
Baring said she is the breadwinner of two families. She has two sons, ages 14 and 10. She said one of her brothers is in jail and his children were left in her care.
She has been teaching music, arts, physical education and health for 11 years. | http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2015/04/19/teacher-%E2%80%98sold-girls-sex%E2%80%99-403197 | en | 2015-04-19T00:00:00 | www.sunstar.com.ph/dcd23cff2515fe060479ed6f6b330c49045abc83062d48cf8f0410b8bea6e046.json |
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| 2016-08-26T12:53:23 | null | 2016-08-20T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wakeweekly.com%2Fthe-jim-allen-group%2F.json | http://www.wakeweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/20160825_ad_JimAllen-150x150.jpg | en | null | The Jim Allen Group | null | null | www.wakeweekly.com | — Top Menu — Home Login Contact Us - Submit calendar event - Submit news, sports, events Subscribe/Renew Newsstand Locations Legal Notices - Foreclosures - Municipal Notices - Notices to Creditors - Others Real Estate Classifieds - Purchase Classifieds
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