January 30, 2013

Community

Marketplace Businesses in our community sharing their expertise, products, and services.

J a n u a r y 20 1 3

B2 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

marketplace Five ConSumer TipS

by Greg Sheppard

1. Get integrated. Build a home entertainment network.

2. Choose an appropriate-sized TV for your living space.

3. Get trusted advice before making a big purchase.

4. Choose premium brands that will last the test of time.

5. In-wall or in-ceiling speakers are a great solution for people who don’t want to give up floor or shelf space.

From living room to bedroom, Haney Sewing & Sound has everything your home needs.

Photos by Colleen Flanagan.

Haney Sewing and Sound connecting happy homes Staying on top of changing trends in the audio-visual industry A smartphone, a flatscreen TV, a laptop, a stereo.

The number of electronic components found in the average home grows every year. So how does the tech-savvy consumer maintain control over his or her audio-visual system?

“The big things now are networking and integration between your various components,” says Greg Sheppard of Haney Sewing and Sound/AVU Unlimited. “That opens up a lot of good options for control and for versatility.”

Today, virtually any system in the house can be controlled via iPhone and Android applications. For example, Apple AirPlay allows you to stream what’s on your phone to your TV and speakers.

“It’s a neat way to make your music more accessible and easy to use,” Sheppard says.

Haney Sewing and Sound on Dewdney Trunk Road has the tools and know-how to help customers create a fully integrated home entertainment network. After all, staying on top of industry trends is a priority for the staff.

“As soon as things become available, we try to at least have one or two of the offerings in the store,” Sheppard says.

When it comes to TVs, customers should look out for some exciting new technologies to hit the shelves in the next few months. Impossibly thin organic LED TVs with “perfect contrast” will be in high demand, Sheppard says.

As will ultra-HD TVs with four times the resolution of current models.

H a n ey S e w i n g a n d S o un d i s forward-looking, but also takes pride in its long history in the community.

Established in 1969 by Sheppard’s grandfather Jack, a former Singer Sewing Machine Company employee, the family-run business now specializes in home theatre systems. It also carries premium-brand sewing machines, vacuums, appliances, mattresses and box springs. Check out their home

appliances showroom where Bosch, Maytag, Samsung, Fisher Paykel, Electrolux, Jenn Air and many other top brand name products are on display.

The store’s longtime commitment to quality has not been lost on its customers.

“Our principle customer base has been coming here a long time, they know what to expect,” says Sheppard.

“Most sales staff here have 20-plus years of sales experience.”

Customers can expect the kind of personal care you don’t get at a big-box retailer. Rather than push the one-sizefits-all home entertainment package, Haney Sewing and Sound opts for a more individualized approach.

“We figure out what you want first, what you need, and what’s going to work in your situation. Then we build something for you from there.”

A high level of staff expertise combined with premium products and competitive pricing sets Haney Sewing and Sound apart from its competitors.

And the great service doesn’t stop once you’ve paid for your merchandise.

Haney Sewing and Sound also offers appliance delivery as well as complete and professional audio-visual installation services. They’ll even program your remote.

The big things now are networking and integration between your various components Greg Sheppard, Haney Sewing & Sound

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B3

INVEST IN QUALITY SONOS PLAY:5 ALL-IN-ONE WIRELESS MUSIC SYSTEM

329

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B4 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

marketplace Five ConSumer TiPS

by Shayne & YT

1. Educate yourself on how the different products are made before you buy.

2. Make sure you follow the manufacturers’ instructions for acclimation and installation.

3. Keep the humidity in your home in the range of 40% - 60% for laminate, engineered and hardwood flooring.

4. Proper sub-floor preparation is the foundation of a quality installation.

5. Different products require different care and maintenance.

Laminate Warehouse offers a huge selection of laminate, carpet, hardwood, engineered hardwood, vinyl, and tile. Photos by Colleen Flanagan.

Premium flooring, Premium Service When you walk in the front door of Laminate Warehouse you immediately get the feeling that you are dealing with a company that has your best interest at heart. All of their products are beautifully displayed with visible price tags on each piece. Knowledgeable staff, professionally trained installers and guaranteed lowest prices are some of the standard policies that have helped make this locally owned company a leader in the flooring industry.

Owners, Shayne Saunders and his wife YT, have built their business based on a no-nonsense approach to serving customers. Their reputation means everything to them and that shows in how they treat consumers. No games, no gimmicks – just great service and a commitment to quality workmanship.

“We believe in what we sell and how we sell it” says Saunders. Laminate Warehouse offers a huge selection of laminate, carpet, hardwood, engineered, vinyl and tile. They also carry baseboard, transitions and flooring supplies. “We only carry top quality products that are backed by the best warranties in the industry and we choose our suppliers carefully to ensure the best possible value to our customers” adds Saunders.

A few years ago they introduced the new Whistler Premium laminate, which is a far superior product to other laminate flooring available on the market. It features the patented QuickLock locking system which is easier and faster to install than traditional ‘snap and tap style’ locking systems. Not only is the QuickLock system easier and faster to install but it is also a stronger locking design which holds together better than other systems. One of the big differences the Whistler Premium brand offers is the higher density of the core board itself. The heavier core expands and contracts less than the

lighter core used by their competitors.

It has even gone through a waterproofing process, whereby all four edges are protected with a waxed edge, which helps protect against moisture and accidental spills. With a Lifetime Residential Warranty against wearing, fading and staining and a 5 Year Water Moisture Warranty, Whistler Premium is simply the best quality laminate flooring and it offers the best overall value for your flooring investment.

Laminate Warehouse deals direct with the factory that produces Whistler Premium and their high volume buying power allows them to offer a better quality product at an unbelievable price which in turn gives the consumer the best possible value. Many of their competitors choose factories that use a lighter core board, which is less expensive to make. The lighter density core dents easier and expands and contracts at a much greater rate, which causes gapping and buckling. Another disadvantage with the lighter core is the fact that it absorbs moisture and spills more rapidly than the heavier weight core board that is used in the Whistler Premium brand.

At Laminate Warehouse they test their competitors’ products and then compare the results with their own Whistler Premium and the results speak for themselves. “Many of the other products we test are 10% - 15%

lighter than ours and that makes for huge difference in quality. We invite consumers to drop by for an in-store demo to see for themselves that not all products are created equal” says Saunders. “Products may be the exact same colour but there are huge differences in locking systems, core board density, wear layer and overall quality.

It pays to educate yourself before you buy” he adds.

Not only does Laminate Warehouse carry top quality products that are easy to install for the do-it-yourself customer, they also offer professional installation by uniformed, licensed & insured installers that are covered by WCB. “The big advantage with our installation teams is consistent results.

Our installers work directly for us so satisfaction is 100% guaranteed.” says Saunders. For the people who prefer to do the job themselves, they offer sound advice and free on-site consultations.

They will even lend you the tools to get the job done.

We believe in what we sell and how we sell it Shayne Saunders, Laminate Warehouse Owner Visit their retail showroom in Maple Ridge or Mission and see how premium products, expert advice and quality workmanship have helped to establish Laminate Warehouse as a leader in the flooring industry. When it comes to flooring, Laminate Warehouse has you covered.

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B5

INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE HUGE SAVIN GS IN STOCK FL ON ALL OORING!

LAMINATE UNDERLAY

2

79

choose from a huge selection of colours & styles starting at

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CHOOSE FROM SMOOTH OR HANDSCRAPED

99

sq ft

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1

WH O & DIS TR IBU TO RS

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LER S

29 sq ft

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179 199 sq. ft.

TILE & STONE DISTRIBUTORS

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ou

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sq. ft.

choose from a huge selection of colours & styles starting at

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2

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LUXURY VINYL PLANK Composite Core Luxury Vinyl

_4 colours to choose from

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sq ft

. Click Installation . Rigid Composite Core

Laminate Warehouse

VOTED # 1 FLOORING STORE!

We wanted to thank you for all your assistance with our recent purchase of laminate. Your guidance and patience in helping a novice with installation requirements and tips was very helpful.

Once again, thank you . . . Dan & Teresa Ackimenko We just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you for the great laminate and the installation provided by your staff. Your installation team did a fantastic job and our house feels like a new home again. Please feel free to post this so some of your future customers can see how your past customers feel about your service . . . Al and Kathy Kinsmen

Wow, what an amazing company. My husband and I had an absolute wonderful experience when we had our new floors installed by Laminate Warehouse. We would highly recommend this company to anyone . . . Vicki & Bob Crocket I wanted to write and let you know how pleased we are with our floors. All in all, a great experience, thanks again. I’ve already recommended you to friends . . . Ralph Uhl

I wanted to put my comments to you in writing about the quality workmanship of your crew. What you couldn’t see in the photos I sent, was how professional they were. I was amazed at how they made it look so easy (I know it isn’t). I’m just so pleased with the excellent service I received from your company and want to thank you again so much . . . Elaine Chernoff

604.463.1000

22753 Dewdney Trunk Road . . . MAPLE RIDGE Mon - Fri 9:00 - 5:00 Saturday 10:00 - 4:00 Closed Sundays & Statutory Holidays

Thank you for the professional manner you showed us in the purchase and installation of our new floors. The staff was knowledgeable and the installers did a super job. We know everyone who chooses your services will be pleased. We will enjoy our new floors for years . . . John and Val Shardlow Thank you, Laminate Warehouse, my wife and I are very pleased with your staff and product. You are welcome to use our name as a reference any time . . . Stan Hutchison

WE FINANCE TAKE UP TO 5 YEARS TO PAY!

* Some restrictions apply. See store for details.

JASON EXNER

I highly recommend Shayne and all the staff at Laminate Warehouse. The price point, quality & their knowledge of the product is second to none. Being a bit of a DIY guy, I've installed a few different types of laminate flooring over the years and their QUICK LOCK system is so easy to install even my 6 year old was helping out! I've referred Laminate Warehouse to family members & clients and have only heard positive feedback.

My Mom just had some carpet replaced and she was extremely happy with the service and quality...we would strongly recommend LAMINATE WAREHOUSE to anyone considering new flooring!...........

Cheers...Jason Exner, MacDonald Realty

604.820.1000 NG OPENI

E#206 - 31510 Gill . . . MISSION D RAvenue GRAN RUARY 5 B Mon - Fri 9:00F-E4:30 Saturday 10:00 - 4:00 Closed Sundays & Statutory Holidays

www.laminatewarehouse.ca

B6 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

marketplace Debbie Pearson 20 years of service Pub and Liquor Store General Manager

Brent molander 19 years of service Bar Manager

Rebecca hope 10 years of service Chef Extraordinaire

Bruce mcGregor 4 years of service Pub Manager

Five Reasons to visit the Jolly CoaChman PuB 1. Excellent service.

2. Consistently awesome food.

3. Calling everyone by their name.

4. Promotes and features all sporting events.

5. Friendly, courteous, happy, and long-term staff.

Pub Manager Bruce McGregor pours a beer. Photos by Colleen Flanagan.

Building neighbourhood spirit, one drink at a time The 1980s brought many things people would probably rather forget than relive, like Flock of Seagulls’ hairstyles, shoulder pads and rocking love ballads.

But buried beneath the rubble were a few, unforgettable gems, such as the TV show Cheers, which continues to inspire people to this day. Marilyn Sanders is one of those people.

Owner of the Jolly Coachman Pub in Pitt Meadows, Sanders runs her business in a way that would make Sam Malone proud. It’s all about making the customers’ experience the best it can be.

“We’ve got an incredible staff, fabulous food, an awesome chef, [and a] great location,” Sanders said. “It’s kind of like a ‘Cheers’ bar where everybody knows your name.”

On top of the wide selection of drinks, the pub also boasts great meals for a bargain. Saturday specials, like full rack of baby back ribs, or Sunday brunch, which includes waffles, eggs, bacon, and much more.

If that isn’t enough to tempt you into coming down to the pub, it also has an extensive menu featuring samosas, Peking lettuce wraps, potstickers, and classics like nachos, scallops and bacon, and potato skins.

Main courses include New York peppercorn steak, chicken Parmesan, perogies, and fish and chips.

And for vegetarians, Sanders has you covered. The Jolly Coachman menu highlights its veggie options and they sound down right delicious. Meals like the radical rice bowls, salmon fillet burgers and gourmet cheese sandwiches could tempt even the meat eaters.

But it’s not all about the food at the Jolly Coachman. The food is really just a sidekick to the main event and that’s

sports, sports and more sports.

“We are a sports pub, so we cater to hockey, UFC, football, and more,” Sanders said. “We’ve got 45 TVs, so there’s not a bad seat in the house.”

No matter what sport, there’s constantly a match on TV for patrons to enjoy. From football to hockey, Sanders ensures the Jolly Coachman is always game-ready, something that definitely came in handy during the NHL lockout.

It’s kind of like a ‘Cheers’ bar, where everybody knows your name Marilyn Sanders, Jolly Coachman Pub Owner While hockey is one of the biggest event nights at the Jolly Coachman, Sanders was able to make due during the strike, turning to different entertainment or sports when she needed to.

“We just saddled up to the plate so we didn’t lose any business because of hockey,” she said.

But that doesn’t mean she and the rest of her staff aren’t excited hockey is back. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

They’ve scheduled six game-night bus trips downtown, one of which was held on opening night of the season.

The bus trips are an all-inclusive event.

A ticket gets you downtown and back to the Jolly Coachman as well as a seat inside Rogers Arena to watch the Canucks take on their NHL opponents.

“For people who live out this way, they can have a couple of drinks on the bus, they don’t have to worry about drinking and driving. It’s just a real bonus for everybody,” Sanders said.

There are still five more opportunities to take in a game with the Jolly Coachman crew. Tickets sell out fast so people are encouraged to get their tickets as soon as possible.

But if you don’t manage to snag hockey bus tickets, watching the game at the Jolly Coachman Pub is still a lot of fun.

“We give away prizes every single hockey game, including either Canuck jerseys or a pair of tickets to a game, and many smaller prizes,” Sanders said.

And if you’re worried the Jolly Coachman isn’t the pub for you, check out Sanders’ credentials, this isn’t her first rodeo.

Before she owned the Jolly Coachman, Sanders spent more than seven years owning and operating Kennedy’s Sports Pub in North Delta.

This experience, coupled with the customer service experience she gained working at Safeway for 32 years, has helped a lot when it comes to owning the Coachman.

“Selling beers is not too unlike selling groceries. Everybody needs to eat, and now I just hope they need to drink.”

And drink they do.

Sanders bought the Jolly Coachman 10 years ago and has since made numerous changes to the building.

She renovated the kitchen, the bar, the bathrooms, and the patio.

“We have an awesome patio,” she said. “It’s very popular and it’s all been redone.”

The Jolly Coachman, located off Harris Road, on Ford Road, is a traditional-looking building with brown trim outside and exposed brick inside.

Despite all the renovations, Sanders has kept much of the feel of the bar, offering her customers a cozy place to enjoy the game and a drink.

But if enjoying your brew at home is more your style, the Jolly Coachman has that covered too. There’s a liquor store on the site, which is open everyday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

“We’ve got ice cold beer at the same price as the government or below,” Sanders said.

After more than 15 years in the food service industry, Sanders knows there’s more to running a bar than pouring a good drink. Community participation is a major part of her business. The Jolly Coachman sponsors many local teams and hosts fundraisers for the community each week.

“We do meat draws Friday and Saturday. Friday is for the Variety Club’s Children Charity, and Saturday the proceeds are for the Maple Ridge Hospice,” Sanders said.

Being an active part of the community is very important, she said. People in the community appreciate local businesses stepping up to help the less fortunate.

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B7

the

Jolly Coachman

PUB & LIQUOR STORE

IN OUR LIQUOR STORE OPEN 9AM - 11PM EVERY DAY

FEB. 2nd

Bud

BELOW GOV’T RETAIL

15 Can Pack

NO COVER

In Our Pub

FISH & CHIPS

4

99

THURSDAY 11 - 11

WINGS

10

49

Harris

heed

Ford Rd.

Hwy.

In Our Pub

ALL BONUS ITEMS WHILE QUANTITIES LAST. ALL SPECIALS WITH BEVERAGE PURCHASE.

TUESDAYS 11 - 11

5oz Burger N’ Homemade Fries N.Y. Steak N’ Fries

4 99 6 99

FRIDAY Feb. 1st Get On The Bus!

¢

Loug

39.99

$

3 Choices of dinners.

IN OUR PUB MONDAY 11 - 11

c a n d i n e fo r Feb. 15 & 16

24

$

Two

EA

WEDNESDAYS 11 - 11 BARON OF BEEF

6

N’ HOMEMADE FRIES

99

SATURDAY 11 - 2

Canucks Hockey!

Feb 1 - Chicago Feb 15 - Dallas March 16 - Detroit March 28 - Colorado April 25 - Anaheim

Bus & Game Return

BACON & EGGS

4

99

19167 Ford Road, Pitt Meadows 604-465-9911

www.jollycoachman.com

B8 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five Tips For FurniTure shoppinG

by Justin Fuller

1. Size matters. Check out the space you have in your home and determine what will fit and still look good. Then, always carry a tape measure and a list of measurements when you go furniture shopping so you can tell right away whether the piece will fit.

2. When it comes to furniture, don’t let what’s on the floor fool you. Most of the items have lots of options when it comes to colour, fabric and finishing. Ask questions (it helps if you shop where the staff is knowledgeable) and ask to see samples.

3. Again, with furniture it’s important to know whether it will suit your lifestyle. Some furniture is built more strongly to suit different families. More sturdy furniture will cost a bit more, but it will also last much longer.

4. If you’re looking at mattresses, don’t let price be the final arbiter. A higher price does not necessarily mean a better mattress. Take your time, do some research, and ask questions about construction, durability, support, etc. Remember, you’re going to be spending as much as a third of your day on that mattress… you want the best you can afford.

5. Don’t overspend on appliance features you know deep down you’re never going to use.

Appliances today have lots and lots of features, but why spend a bunch of extra money on them if you know the chances of using them are minuscule. Get what you really need and save some money.

A family business through and through, Linda, Justin, Dave, and Bruce at Fuller Watson are proud to be a cornerstone of Maple Ridge.

Good pricing & selection exist at Fuller Watson There aren’t many stores in Maple Ridge that can claim to have grown up with the community, but Fuller Watson is certainly one of them.

Since 1924, Fuller Watson has been an integral part of the community’s shopping experience, starting as a general store that continued right up until the 1970s before eventually becoming the furniture, appliance and bedding store that people now associate with the name.

Today, the fourth generation of the Fuller family is still at the helm, living, working and investing locally the way earlier members of the family did.

“We’re very proud of the way this store and our family have been a part of the growth of Maple Ridge,” says Justin Fuller, one of the two sons of current owner Bruce Fuller presently working at the store. “Like the community, we’ve made significant changes over the years, and we’ve managed to keep up with the needs of our customers by providing quality products and service at aggressive prices.”

In today’s marketplace, Justin argues, that’s not always easy to accomplish given that so many local residents are convinced there’s no place to shop locally.

“We had one couple come in a while ago who told us they’d gone looking for furniture elsewhere but they ended up coming to see us because we were able to supply exactly what they wanted at a price that worked for them. Today they get rave reviews about their furniture from friends who are always surprised when they tell them it came from Fuller Watson.

“We like that kind of story because it’s what we’ve been telling people for more than 80 years. You can get top quality furniture and appliances

right here in town because we’re part of BrandSource, whose 3,400 stores make up $10 billion worth of buying power, which allows us to offer our customers excellent prices because we can buy for less.”

That’s so important for consumers who are highly price-conscious these days given the tough economic situation so many people find themselves in.

We’re very proud of the way this store and our family have been a part of the growth of Maple Ridge Justin Fuller, Fuller Watson “You have to treat people right,” says Justin, “and that starts by providing them with pricing that makes sense to them. BrandSource gives us the ability to keep prices down, we can show people our prices are as good as or better than they can find anywhere else.”

This fourth generation retailer has had customer service drummed into him all his life because his family has depended on the loyalty and goodwill of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows residents for the better part of 90 years. He

estimates 95 percent of their customers live in the two communities, so he knows it pays to be good to people.

“We try to hire locally whenever possible (there are currently fourteen people working at Fuller Watson, most of whom have been there for more than ten years) because we want our staff and customers to know each other outside of the store,” Justin says. “We provide continuity in terms of longterm relationships between staff and customers, which provides peace of mind to customers. We’ve been dealing with the same people year after year for decades; they know and trust us to take care of them, and that keeps them coming back.”

That loyalty is not something Fuller Watson takes for granted, however.

To keep people coming back they offer in-house appliance repair staff, quality financing programs to make it easier for people to buy, local contact when customers need help (instead of the “centralized” service offered by chain stores that is usually based three time zones away in Ontario), and convenient delivery and installation service.

“I’m biased, naturally, but I truly believe our level of service is exceptional when compared to a lot of other furniture and appliance stores,” says Justin.

“I think the fact that we live and work locally keeps us close to our customers, which means we’re in constant contact with those people. ” Part of making things perfect involves dealing with quality product lines in the first place. Justin says a lot of locals aren’t aware that Fuller Watson offers the same brand names people drive kilometres to find in other communities.

“In the appliance department we deal exclusively with GE and GE Profile because they are good quality at a good price,” he says. “For furniture, Palliser, La-Z-Boy, Ashley, England and Stylus are our top brands, and when it comes to beds we offer Simmons and Serta, two of the best lines for mattresses in the country.

“You really don’t have to drive elsewhere to find furniture, appliances or beds because we offer the same great product lines right here in Maple Ridge, at prices that are always comparable or better than other stores.”

Justin says his family, along with the staff at Fuller Watson, have every intention of being part of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows for another 80-plus years, and they’ll do that by continuing to emphasize the three things that have made the company a leader for so long – local, responsive ownership, buying power that leads to great pricing, and exceptional customer service at all times.

“I’m certain that if we never lose sight of those three important factors, we’ll be able to keep going for decades to come,” says Justin. “The key will be to convince people that they can get what they need and want right here in town. To that end, we ask anyone looking for appliances, a bed or furniture to come see us before making any decisions, and give a local retailer the opportunity to earn their business with great prices and quality service. You owe it to yourself.”

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B9

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B10 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

marketplace Five CoNsumer Tips

by Brandon Zimmerman

1. Know your car’s maintenance schedule and be vigilant with service.

2. If using snow tires make sure they are removed as soon as winter is over. The rubber compound in snow tires is much softer than all season tires, and will wear out quickly in warm weather.

3. Take care of your tires, keeping them properly inflated for safe driving and better gas mileage.

4. Don’t ignore your dashboard warning lights. A signal can mean any number of system failures, from a fuel vapor leak caused by a loose gas cap to. A blinking check engine light could indicate a severe miss-fire that could damage your car’s engine.

5. Flush your cooling system at least every two years to avoid rust and sediment, which can be very costly and harm your engine.

Brandon Zimmerman, co-owner of Haney Automotive, changes the brakes on a truck.

Haney Automotive ranks high in the community Haney Automotive is recognized by residents as the shop to go to. Known for honest, friendly, and quality workmanship.

Owned and operated by brothers Brandon and Brad Zimmerman, Haney Auto has been rated #1 in readers polls at both local newspapers. They received the A-List button from The News and the Readers Choice award from The Times. A News reporter stopped in to ask Brandon some questions about his shop.

The News: Brandon why does your shop get such high marks?

Brandon: We understand our customer’s anxiety when it comes to spending their hard earned cash on service and repairs. Therefore our 1st objective is go out of our way to set them at ease by explaining clearly what needs to done and why, often taking them in the shop to show them. We do not proceed with repairs without approval. During a repair we keep the customer informed so there are no surprises when it comes to paying the bill.

The News: What is your customer care program all about?

Brandon: When a repair is done we give them a courtesy call a few days later, we send out thank you cards as well as service reminder cards every 3 months.

In addition when a customers refers a new client we send them a discount thank you card.

The News: Tell us about the family aspect of your business.

Brandon: Our mom and dad also work in the business making it a fun place to be. We learned the value of honesty and integrity from them and this translates to our customers.

The News: What are some of initiatives Haney Automotive has undertaken in the community.

Brandon: We have lived here for the past 25 years, it is our community, giving back is important, We have a drop box for Big Brothers on the property and a Collection box for Friends in Need Food Bank donations are appreciated. We also sponsor non-profit organizations such as Garibaldi Senior Secondary, Maple Ridge Senior Secondary and Haney Neptune’s Swim Club.

The News: What are some of the other reasons that Haney Automotive has been able to survive and thrive in a crowded market?

Brandon: You can tell the second a customer walks through the door if they’ve been burnt before or if they’re nervous about what’s wrong with their car. What we do is make sure they feel at ease. As much information as we can gather from the customer helps us.

Another part of building that comfort level comes from the fact that our senior technician, Chris Duff, has been with us since we opened our doors 13 years ago. Our entire team is dedicated to giving the best possible customer service, day-in, day-out.

The News: Do you have any closing remarks?

Brandon: Yes we want you to know that with 30 repair shop choices we understand when you walk into our shop you are making a choice. Each and every time you are hiring us to do the work. We truly appreciate this and will endeavour to earn and retain your trust. I wish to send out 100,000 thanks to our customers for voting Haney Automotive as number 1. To our new customers mention this ad and receive a 10% discount on your first visit.

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B11

RIDGE-MEADOWS #1 RATED AUTO REPAIR & MAINTENANCE SHOP

Drop in and say hello.

Cheers Brandon for Honest, w o n K . o t o g nd Brad the shop to a s n a o s d t n n a e r id B s rs re d by brothe spapers. e cognized by t w e a e r r n e l is p a o e c iv d lo t n o m oth s. da Haney Auto ship. Owne m The Time rs polls at b n o e a d fr a m d k e r r r a o in w w a 1 y e # alit . been rated aders Choic e s Friendly, Qu a R h e o h quite a feat t t u a d A n is y a e is s n h w t a e H s N e ow Zimmerman tton from th Ridge-Mead u b in m o e fr h t e s ed oo They receiv shops to ch 0 3 e r a e r BELT the G N I M I T Considering E FRE .

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B12 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace FiVe Reasons to shop at ValleyFaiR

by Nicole Archer

1. Make sure to visit us on our website or Facebook to find out what exciting things are happening at ValleyFair Mall today.

2. ValleyFair Mall has changed a lot over the years, but one thing has remained the same, our commitment to creating a unique and enjoyable shopping experience.

3. Browse and explore our “one-ofa-kind” collection of stores that invite and inspire. Fulfill your everyday needs and more.

4. Visit one of our restaurants for lunch. Browse the latest fashions at one of our boutiques. Book an appointment for hair, spa or nails.

Grab a coffee at Starbucks and relax in one of our comfy seating areas.

5. Serving our community spirit for 50 years.

Some of the staff of the 39 shops and services at ValleyFair Mall. Photo by Colleen Flanagan.

ValleyFair Mall celebrates 50 years in Maple Ridge Going to the mall can be overwhelming for some people. The loud music, the big crowds and the change room line-ups.

Then there are the merchants who line hallways pushing their latest products to passersby. Plus big box stores, which have an inner chaos of their own.

The whole hustle and bustle of the experience can make anyone turn to online shopping and ditch the mall altogether.

Every once in awhile shoppers stumble across a rare gem. In Maple Ridge that gem is ValleyFair Mall Nestled in the heart of the community, ValleyFair Mall has been a part of Maple Ridge since it first opened its doors in 1963. Fifty years later ValleyFair has grown from a small strip mall to a large complex with newer additions, including Save-On-Foods and London Drugs.

“It’s a fine balance, making sure that you are still creating a comfortable atmosphere for your regulars, that they have come to enjoy and expect, and also making sure that you meet the needs of the new consumer,” said Nicole Archer, shopping centre manager.

These changes didn’t happen overnight, but over time.

Starting in 1978, when the then ValleyFair strip mall was renovated

into an enclosed shopping centre. Then again in 1994, when the owners, the Bucci family, completed a $5-million renovation to the centre. This renovation updated the small shopping centre, installing new Sante Fe storefronts for all the shops in the mall.

In 2001, ValleyFair Mall received a 21,000-sq.-foot expansion to make room for its rebuilt Save-On-Foods.

And it didn’t stop there.

In 2009, management re-branded the mall. Its new image was chosen in order to reflect ValleyFair Mall’s true place in the community, Archer said.

“The new logo encompasses a more modern look with our gorgeous location in view of the Golden Ears Mountains and the Fraser River,” Archer said. “Since then we have seen new directories, new storefronts, comfortable furnishings, power smart lighting upgrade and a brighter more inviting interior.”

While ValleyFair no longer resembles the small strip mall it once was, today’s centre is still focused on offering a

more intimate shopping experience compared to other malls. Consumers who visit will find 39 shops and services all aimed at making ValleyFair Mall a one-stop shopping destination.

“ValleyFair Mall has been home to many local businesses big and small over the years,” Archer said. “It’s a place where locals can find everything they need under one roof.”

And the owners and management have worked hard to make this goal a reality.

ValleyFair Mall is home to Save On Foods, London Drugs, B.C. Liquor Store, Starbucks and TD Bank. There are also two hair salons, a nail parlour, a dentist, and an optometrist, a dry cleaners, a shoe repairman and a dollar store.

“Our independent retailers offer products and services that you won’t find anywhere else,” Archer said.

But that’s not all.

There are seven restaurants in the ValleyFair complex, including Red Robin, Great Mongolian Grill and Sushi Bar Iori.

“Maple Ridge has a large demographic of young families that tend to shop outside of our community, so in order to keep them shopping at home we need to be able to adjust to their lifestyle,” Archer said.

This means that on top of the variety of stores they provide, ValleyFair Mall keeps in contact with its shoppers through social media.

“Keeping up with the constantly changing needs of the consumer is always a difficult task in this day and age of technology,” Archer said. “Our social media circuit is in full force with our Facebook and Twitter daily updates and feeds as well as our new and more user friendly website.”

ValleyFair Mall is also the only shopping centre in the area that uses a paging system as part of their photos with Santa program. That way families can shop while they wait rather than standing in line.

“Programs like the Santa photo paging are all part of providing visitors with a calmer and more relaxing shopping experience,” Archer said.

Our independent retailers offer products and services that you won’t find anywhere else Nicole Archer, ValleyFair Mall manager “And after 50 years in Maple Ridge, ValleyFair Mall has worked hard to maintain its intimate shopping experience. With new updates, shoppers are encouraged to visit the centre and discover why ValleyFair Mall should be their new go-to centre,” Archer said.

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B13

ANCHOR STORES

SPECIALTY SHOPS

101 London Drugs 300 BC Liquor Store 380 Save-On-Foods & Drugs

200 260 430 440

FASHION & JEWELLERY 160 260 270 400

Micos Swimwear Favorite Finds Ryan Jewellers Crystal Blu

Loonie Plus Favorite Finds Express News Tumblestone Emporium 485 Wind Mobile 600 ART OF BLOOM 650 Rogers AT&T

165 Innova HairHandlers 180 Valley Fair Dental Clinic 341 Maple Ridge Vitamin Centre 390 Eye Opener Optical 480 Vienny Nails 510 Allure Hair Fashions 530 Living Well Laser

CAFES

GIFTS & CARDS 120 Prime Collection 250 Hallmark Cards 503 Urban Attitudes

SERVICES 470 550 560 570

BEAUTY, HEALTH & HAIR

Meadow Cleaners Brookside Realty TD Canada Trust BC Lottery Corporation

227 460 490 580 620 670 690

Red Robin Great Mongolian Grill Starbucks Coffee Bagels & More Sushi Bar Iori Papa Greek Austin Fish & Chips

FOOT WEAR 530 G.A.M. Shoes & Repair 620 Kintec Footlabs

TRAVEL & INSURANCE 410 Ward Watkins Insurance 420 Flight Centre

Bring this portion of the ad into the mall office and enter to win a ValleyFair Mall $50.00 Gift Certificate!

Name

Phone #

Address

E-mail

See you there at ValleyFair!

22709 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge, BC www.valleyfairmall.net

B14 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

marketplace Five TipS For home decor

by Pam Milaney

1. First and foremost, understand the function of the room. The type of furniture needed and placement are paramount.

2. If you are purchasing upholstery, quality varies widely, yet can look similar. Quality matters and a minimal cost difference measured over time is well worth it.

3. Take the time to get informed.

There are thousands of items in a huge selection of colours, sizes and styles. Don’t give up if you don’t see what you think will work.

Go ahead, ask questions.

4. Buy the right size of furniture, period. It can be difficult to fill the voids or, worse yet, try to make pieces that are too big, work. We hear it all the time, “Why didn’t I come here first?”

5. Relax. Have fun. The experience of getting something new for your home should be exciting, not stressful. That is where experience and guidance, without being pushy, comes into play.

Tania, Shawna, Mona and Pam at Great Spaces Furniture know customer service is the cause of their success.

Great Spaces, success by design For Pam Milaney, customer service is more than just a cliché she tosses around like a sofa pillow. It’s been the cornerstone of her 10 years in business.

As owner of Great Spaces Furniture, Pam knows you are only as good as your name.

“It’s about building relationships with our customers,” she says. “I believe if you give great service, the sales will follow.”

For the past decade, that’s exactly what Great Spaces has achieved. Pam says 90 per cent of her customers are either repeat or referrals. And she understands that no matter how many ads she runs or sales she offers, the best chance for success is a happy customer.

“There will always be circumstances where things go wrong, no matter what business you are in. But we stand behind everything we sell. If there’s a problem, we’re going to fix it.”

Just as important, Pam says, is being an active member in the community.

That holds her accountable to her customers. Whether she’s walking through the park or picking up groceries, she knows she’s going to run into the people she’s worked with. And it’s important to her to be able to look them in the eye and know there is a mutual respect.

She said, as a business person, she considers herself to be “outside the box.”

“I ask a lot of questions, so I can help the clients get the right pieces for their needs,” she says. “My approach is to make it a fun experience.”

Part of that approach comes with

some of the unique services the store offers, including a Day with a Designer, space-planning consultations, or Pick Pam’s Brain. She says she and her staff take their cues from their customer’s needs and requests and are trying to evolve in new and exciting directions. Fashions and trends change, so she constantly strives to stay ahead of the curve.

While being the owner of the store means she’s also a salesperson, she doesn’t like to be pigeon-holed as someone who puts profits before people. Her love of her works comes from being an interior designer.

“It’s the gas in my tanks,” she says.

It’s that fuel that drives her business to stand out in her industry. Whether it’s getting on a boat to visit a home

on Pitt Lake or going to a new home for a consultation, or helping a family get ready for a new baby, the challenge of the project is part of the creative process which she enjoys so much.

Pam says anyone can sell a bedroom suite or a sofa, but her business approach is to make sure customers get the right piece depending on their individual needs.

My approach is to make it a fun experience Pam Milaney, Great Spaces Furniture owner “There’s nothing like being there, seeing the space and then making it happen. It’s fun.”

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B15

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B16 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

marketplace Five ConsumeR Tips

by Jeff Miller

1. Knowledgeable staff and old-fashioned customer service.

2. Quality tested supplements.

3. Wide selection of wheat-free and gluten-free foods.

4. 100% certified organic produce.

5. No chemicals, preservatives, artificial flavours or colours, guaranteed.

A smiling staff always at your service. Photos by Colleen Flanagan.

Healthy, natural products are the cornerstone of Roots Jeff Miller has run Roots Natural Organic Foods for two decades now, but the store has changed significantly in that time. “I bought it 21 years ago,” Jeff says. “It was a quarter of the size it is now.”

There have been significant product changes in that time, too, as the store has evolved from a specialty shop into a full-service organic grocery.

“It was your typical hippie granola thing,” Jeff says. “Now we’re full-service.”

Jeff says the store’s mission hasn’t changed, however.

“We’re trying to help people be healthy,” he says. “We try to sell good natural products.”

Jeff says eating properly and living healthily is a lifestyle, and he’s tried to make his store a community-focused place that can help people do that.

“That’s the way I live,” he says. “I made it a store I would want to shop in.”

Jeff says it can be difficult for people to make sure they’re buying natural products at a regular grocery store, which is where Roots Natural comes in.

“We do the shopping for you,” he says. “You don’t have to read the labels, because we do. We stand behind all our products.”

Jeff co-owns the store with his wife, Tammy. She says they’re committed to ensuring only the best products are sold in their store.

“We don’t sell it unless we’ve tried it,” she says.

A growing part of their business has been natural dietary supplements, which Jeff says are crucial to

overall health in this era of heavily processed foods.

“No matter how good you think you eat these days, you can’t get everything from your foods,” he says. “You’ve got to fill that gap, and that’s what the supplements do.”

The store was founded in 1971, and Jeff says it’s the oldest remaining natural foods store in the Lower Mainland.

He says Maple Ridge has been the perfect location for him.

“The customer base is awesome,” he says. “The loyal day-to-day customer has built our business. If you want to

build a good natural food customer base, this is the place to build it.”

Jeff says many of his customers and their families have been coming to the store for decades.

“It’s a whole community,” he says.

“We’ve hired lots of our customers’ kids.”

The store also hosts speakers on healthy living. Jeff says the speakers are an important part of their goal to improve people’s health.

“We just try to educate people,” he says.

Jeff says the education has caught on, as there’s an ever-growing interest in natural foods.

“Health foods aren’t just for hippies any more, they’re for everyone,” he says. “It’s a part of everyday life; it’s a lifestyle.”

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B17

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B18 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

marketplace Five Consumer Tips

by Ryan Ross

1. Preventative maintenance will save you money in the long run.

2. Proper fluid levels will make your vehicle safer.

3. Check your tire pressure regularly.

3. Choose a service provider you feel comfortable with.

4. Always use the right kind of oil for your vehicle.

5. Bring your car in for service at regular scheduled intervals.

Pennzoil staff Brandon, Ryan, Chris, and Kevin will change your oil in 10 minutes with a smile. Photos by Colleen Flanagan.

Quality drive-through oil changes, without the pressure Pennzoil customers know they can count on professional service and honest advice.

Getting regular oil changes is one of the most important things you can do to ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle. And doing so doesn’t have to be a hassle.

Just as their name promises, at Pennzoil 10 Minutes Oil Change Centre on Lougheed Highway, a team of friendly professionals will have you back on the road before you can finish your complimentary cup of coffee.

“We specialize in preventative maintenance and regular maintenance on vehicles,” says Ryan Ross, who has owned the Maple Ridge location for the past 15 years.

Pennzoil brand motor oil is specially designed to clean your engine, reduce engine friction and wear, remove heat from hot areas and prevent corrosion and rusting of components. A clean engine not only runs more efficiently, it also runs longer and produces fewer harmful emissions.

In addition to conventional and synthetic motor oil for all types of cars, Pennzoil also stocks other top-of-theline fluids, lubricants and filters that your car needs to run smoothly.

If your transmission fluid, brake fluid or steering fluid is running low, the staff at Pennzoil will gladly top it up while you read the newspaper.

During the winter months, Ryan

says his employees take special care to ensure that all vehicles that come through the shop are fit for coldweather driving.

“We check all their fluids, their coolants and make sure the anti-freeze is set to a proper level. And we make sure tire pressure is up for safety,” he says.

When asked what sets Pennzoil apart from other oil change centres, Ryan has a simple answer: “Friendly guys, familiar faces, no high-pressure sales.”

His staff of six do not work on commission, so,customers can leave knowing they wee treated fairly and

honestly. Which is why Ryan thinks 88% of his business is repeat customers.

I t ’s th e pro fes s io n a l s ervic e, high-quality fluids and honest advice that keeps customers coming back to Pennzoil every few thousand kilometres. And when returning drivers pull into the centre, they will likely see a familiar face when they roll down their window.

“My employees have all been here a long time,” Ryan explains. “We don’t have a high turnover, which is unusual for this business.”

So, what is it that’s kept Ryan happy in his work for the last decade and a half? It’s all about the customers, he says. “I just love to interact with all the different people.”

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B19

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B20 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five Tips To purchasing a vehicLe

by Ian Speckman

1. We have B.C.’s largest inventory on 9 acres with over 750 vehicles to choose from 2. On the spot financing 3. Highly trained service professionals. Chrysler “Doctor/Specialist in the house creditation”.

4. Sales people trained by Chrysler Canada achieving 100% sales professional 5. We give back to local charities raising over $200,000 last year.

Rotary Duck Race, Children’s wish foundation as well as many others.

The staff at Maple Ridge Chrysler are dedicated to finding a vehicle that’s right for you. Photos by Colleen Flanagan.

Local dealership continues to lead the province in sales When the recession began in 2008, much of the economy fell to a sudden halt. This was especially true in the automotive industry. Many big-name car manufacturers closed factories, stopped producing certain vehicle makes and filed for bailouts from the American government.

But in British Columbia, not everyone was feeling this pinch. In fact, one dealership was about to experience its best year in sales yet.

“In what was perceived as a bit of a recession, our sales actually increased that year,” said Ian Speckman, dealer principal at Maple Ridge Chrysler.

Much of the increase in sales was thanks to the new Golden Ears Bridge, which provided commuters and shoppers with an easy way to access Maple Ridge. This helped bring in new customers who would typically shop in their own communities rather than venture across the river.

“I have seen a substantial increase in people coming over from the Langley side,” Speckman said.

While most people might not recognize Speckman on the street, they would know him from the many radio ads he and Steve Philips do to promote the dealership. They work hard to build up the dealership’s reputation and to get customers into his shop and keep them coming back.

But selling cars is about more than just getting people to come and check out our selection.

Speckman tells his sales team that in order to make a sale, members need to listen to what their customers are saying and be honest with them.

“If you want to sell a customer a car, answer their questions. Ultimately, a customer doesn’t come on the car lot because they want to waste my time.”

While Speckman admits many car salesmen are told to be evasive when it comes to questions from the customer, he said that’s not how Maple Ridge Chrysler operates. Instead, his sales team operates much like a clothing store. A customer comes in, they ask how much for a pair of pants, and the sales person answers with a price.

The same goes for Maple Ridge Chrysler, Speckman said. There’s no dancing around the question because that’s just a waste of time, for both the customer and the salesperson.

“One of the biggest problems in the car industry is that customers would leave the dealerships and they wouldn’t have any answers to their questions,” he said. “If you answer the question the customer will make a decision to move forward if it works for them, if not can they explain their objections.”

While buying a car is still, for the most part, perceived as an unpleasant experience, it’s a necessary one. That’s why Speckman tries to make it as painless and positive as possible because he knows that people don’t come into his dealership without the intention of buying a car or truck.

“You wouldn’t go into a dentists office and walk around, check out their chairs, drink their coffee, and then leave,” he said. “You don’t just come (to the dealership) for no reason, I’m sure you have a lot more exciting things to do.”

That being said, buying a car is an important decision and Speckman recommends people have a clear set of expectations ready when they come in to the dealership and that they get answers to all their questions.

“Share your information so that we can then meet your needs. If you don’t share your information, it makes it very difficult,” he said.

And don’t expect the process to be a quick in and out thing. Customers need to be willing to spend the time discussing what they want and having all their questions answered, Speckman said.

“I hope to say that we answer peoples’ questions. I know we’re not perfect, but, quite frankly, I really care about the customer,” Speckman said.

Caring is one way to put it. Another

would be dedicated.

On top of the in-house sales Speckman and his staff do at the Maple Ridge dealership, they also do a lot of online sales to customers around the country. Selling cars online is a relatively new experience for dealers, but it’s a challenge that Maple Ridge Chrysler is happy to take on.

“If you respond quickly and effectively to their needs, then they’re more happy to do business with you.”

Much of their online business is done with people all over Canada, which is different than the typical sales to local customers. Selling online means you have a broader selection of customers, all with unique needs, Speckman said.

While he may never meet his online customers in person, Speckman uses phone conversations to help keep the transaction a personable one rather than machine to machine.

And for any skeptics out there, buying merchandise online is nothing new. Everyday millions of people search the web for clothes, shoes, books, movies, and toys online. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that cars were going to be next on the web.

“It isn’t that frightening for people anymore,” Speckman said.

No matter how people are buying their new cars, online or in-person, it all means that sales are increasing, which is not only good for Speckman, but also for the entire car industry.

“The industry isn’t just about us and the cars, it’s about mechanics fixing cars and service advisors advising people how to maintain their cars,” Speckman said. “It’s global. So it’s not about just me selling cars, it’s about supporting the economy.”

But no matter how many people are buying cars and trucks online from Maple Ridge Chrysler, the local purchases are still what makes it the No. 2 Chrysler dealership in Canada (it was No. 1 December) and the No. 1 Chrysler dealership in British Columbia.

And for local residents, Maple Ridge Chrysler is definitely closer than you think.

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B21

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B22 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five Tips FoR buying a sTove

by Lisa Blaine

1. The lowest priced item is not always the least expensive item if you have to continually keep getting it fixed.

2. Don’t just do your research on the Internet. While it’s a good place to start, make sure to ask your friends and co-workers to see who they have been happy with, and what kind of products they have purchased.

3. Always get your chimney professionally swept prior to installing a wood or gas insert into your fireplace.

4. If you have used a chimney sweep log, it is critical to have the chimney professionally cleaned afterwards. This is actually listed on the instructions on the cleaning log itself. Safety is a priority.

5. When purchasing an insert, stove or fireplace, remember that you’re going to be looking at it for the next 10 to 20 years. It’s important to get something that is aesthetically pleasing to you, even if it costs little bit more money.

A fireplace from Warm Hearth can keep your heating bill down, as well as keep you nice a cozy in the winter. Photos by Colleen Flanagan.

Warm Hearth keeps Maple Ridge cozy As winter grasps, there’s something to be said for cozying up on the couch with a good book. Keeping warm inside while Old Man Winter howls at the door is as Canadian as it gets.

For Lisa Blaine, manager of Maple Ridge’s Warm Hearth Heating, the goal is to ensure that tradition continues. Whether it’s a wood, gas, or pellet stove, quality trumps all else at the locally owned shop.

“Our focus has always been about offering a quality product we know we can stand behind,” said Blaine. “That way we know our customers are going to get value for their money.”

While certain models may have a price advantage, Blaine said spending a little more initially can be a benefit in the long run. She said repairing wood or gas stoves can be difficult and often people end up spending more on repairs or replacements than if they had just went with a quality product the first time.

“People aren’t generally experts in fireplaces, so finding the right make can be difficult,” she said.

At Warm Hearth, brands like Regency, Vermont Castings or Pacific Energy are the leading brands because of their years of expertise in the heating industry.

Another bonus, she said, if that Warm Hearth carries fireplaces that are manufactured in the province.

“We’re a world leader when it comes to fireplaces,” said Blaine. “Nobody knows how to keep you warmer than the people right here in British Columbia.”

An energy efficient, wellmanufactured stove can last a long time and save you a bundle of money on your heating bills Lisa Blaine, Warm Hearth Heating Regency makes its home in Delta, while Pacific Energy is based in Duncan.

Warm Hearth also carries Enviro, based out of Victoria. All are considered some of the best, said Blaine.

Pacific Energy also has a cast-iron stove that features shelves that swing in and out for cooking.

She said pellet stoves are also becoming a popular choice locally.

Blaine said regardless of which direction the customer takes, the important aspect to remember is that your stove is something you will have for years to come, so don’t cut corners.

“This is one of the most important investments you are going to make when you have a house. An energy efficient, well-manufactured stove can last a long time and save you a bundle of money on your heating bills.”

Blaine also stressed that Warm Hearth does more than just sell its products. The shop services everything from gas, wood and pellet stoves.

“We’re one of the few shops that can service all three,” she said. “We have a team here and it shows with our customer loyalty.”

Part of that loyalty comes from their commitment to customer service.

Blaine said they go out of their way to get feedback from customers to find out what works and what can be improved on.

“We’re proud to have been part of Maple Ridge for the past 11 years and we know that to keep our good name, we have to continue to earn their business. That starts and ends with customer service.”

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B23

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B24 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

marketplace Five Reasons to shop at home haRdWaRe

by Scott O’Dell

1. Locally owned and operated.

2. Free delivery and assembly.

3. Knowledgeable, friendly, and experienced staff.

4. 100% Canadian.

5. We match all local competitors’ prices.

Haney Home Hardware staff Dianne, Donna, Wais, Scott, Lorne, and Anthony provide friendly service with your best interest at heart.

Why shop anywhere else?

Haney Home Hardware has been part of the community of Maple Ridge since 1975 with roots going back to 1922 when Fuller Watson sold hardware. Current owner/operator Scott O’Dell has owned the store since 1994 and is proud to be part of our community where he was born and raised.

Scott is often asked how he can compete with all those superstores and big box stores of the world. His passion for this community and his business is evident in his response to why shop anywhere else?

1. Haney Home Hardware is locally owned and operated. In the community, part of the community, and supportive of the community.

2. We provide customer service like no other store can provide. We want to know our customers and we want to help.

3. We have knowledgeable, experienced, long-term friendly staff who know your name and you know theirs.

4. Home Hardware is 100% Canadian and proud of it.

5. With 1100 stores country-wide,

Home Hardware has as much buying power as anyone else, therefore we can offer a huge selection of products at competitive prices.

6. Haney Home Hardware will price match all local competitors.

7. We specialize in special orders. If you can’t find it, we can and will order it in for you.

8. We have a huge selection of products ranging from the most common to the most obscure. Time and time again I hear customers say, “you always have what I need.”

9. We will fix just about anything. From tractors to toasters, and lawnmowers to light fixtures, bring your problem to us and we’ll fix it.

10. We have easy and ample parking.

11. You can collect Aeroplan Points by shopping with us.

12. Have your purchases assembled and delivered for free!

13. You don’t need a membership card, and we don’t charge an annual fee.

14. We don’t even charge for bags.

15. Did I mention free popcorn on Saturdays?

If we haven’t met yet, I would love to meet you. Please come in, introduce yourself, meet my amazing staff, and take a look around. If I’m not here, I’m probably out coaching basketball or delivering something, but I guarantee you will get helped by someone who is friendly, knowledgeable, and cares.

Thank you for your support Scott O’Dell

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B25

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B26 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

marketplace Five Consumer Tips

by Sandra Taylor

1. Come into a shop with a budget in mind. There are always ways to meet your goals, but know your limit.

2. Understand the style that you are trying to convey as it relates to the occasion. Bigger isn’t always better.

3. Come with your ears open.

There are plenty of choices.

4. Ask lots of questions. If there’s one things florists love, it’s to share their knowledge.

5. Ask a friend when looking for a referral. There’s no better resource that a satisfied customer.

Sandra Taylor, Westgate Flower Garden owner, arranges one of several bouquets. Photos by Colleen Flanagan.

Business blossoms with personal touch There are few offerings that convey one’s emotion more than when flowers are given. They are the quintessential offering in moments of both joy and sadness. Their beauty, fragrance and colour are all reminders of life’s wonder and amazement.

For Sandra Taylor, a life surrounded by flowers is what feeds her soul. For close to 13 years she and her husband have owned and operated Westgate Flower Garden on Dewdney Trunk Road, and the passionate florist wouldn’t have it any other way.

Flowers are a gift to our world Sandra Taylor, Westgate Flower Garden owner “I feel really blessed to be given the opportunity to be able to work with flowers and to have the support of my family behind me. You don’t really notice the time go by when you’re working hard and you love what you do, and I love what I do.”

From the creativity in design to the challenge of meeting a growing customer base, through the evolution of online shopping, the business-side of owning a flower store has helped her shop blossom since it first opened its doors.

But for Sandra, the reward has been the personal connections she’s made within the communities of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

“It’s really important to me and my staff that we connect with the customer, to feel what they are feeling,” she points out. “I’ve shared lots of tears with my customers, and lots of

laughs. It’s a very personal touch that we will always to bring to our business.”

But it’s not just about business for Sandra. She uses her flowers as a way to connect to the community. She recalls an event in her store’s infancy when the outpouring of support by local residents touched her deeply. After a tsunami in Thailand in 2004 killed more than 230,000 people, Sandra says the actions of the community reinforced her love for her profession. Wanting to help, she decided to donate the proceeds of a days sales to help the Red Cross.

The response was overwhelming.

The simple gesture of spontaneous vigils lined the community and helped her raise more than $2,000. It wasn’t highly publicized, but rather a word-ofmouth campaign that spread quickly.

“That’s when I feel I can speak through my flowers. They are my heart.”

While passion for your career is vital to success, she says there is the

business of keeping a steady stream of customers through the door. She understands there is an abundance of choice in the marketplace, yet believes that such choice provides a positive and healthy competitiveness.

“We all have our place in the market and each have our own strengths. The customer ultimately decides where to spend their money,” she says.

Sandra says the cliché of “customer service” is not something she treats frivolously. In her line of work, she says it has to be genuine.

“It’s very personal to me. I want to make a difference in this world so I speak my heart through my designs.”

It’s a language that has served her well. She says in her line of work, the flowers represent more than just a simple thank you. They are an expression in times of immense sorrow during sickness and death, or tremendous love at weddings.

But it’s hardly easy work. With multiple weddings on the same day or preparing for events like Valentine’s Day, life can be incredibly busy.

“I wouldn’t want it any other way,” she says with a smile.

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B27

say it... with

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Westgate Flower Garden, One of Maple Ridge’s Finest Florists.

The friendly staff at Westgate Flower Garden can create beautiful flower arrangements and gifts suitable for all of your gift-giving needs. As one of Maple Ridge’s finest florist, Westgate Flower Garden can deliver flowers to Maple Ridge, BC and surrounding areas, with same day flower

delivery available. Westgate Flower Garden can also make deliveries nationwide through our network of reliable florists. We can help you express just the sentiment with beautiful flowers in Maple Ridge BC to make any occasion special.

Our 13 years serving Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows has been a tremendous honor. We thank our loyal customers for their business and for allowing us to create arrangements of all life’s moments. We are committed to our community and proud to support Asante Centre, Blue Wave Foundation, and many others.

A s k u s a b o u t c o m p l i m e n t a r y, consultations for weddings & parties.

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Westgate Flower Garden 210-20398 Dewdney Trunk Rd., Westgate Mall Maple Ridge 604-460-7230 877-447-3522 WE WILL BE OPEN THE SUNDAY BEFORE VALENTINES 9:30 TO 5:30 PM Our shop is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.

www.westgateflowergarden.com

B28 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five ConsuMeR Tips

by Dayna

Lighting is the most critical element in a room–it shows off everything that is in your space from the top to the bottom!

1. We recommend that you layer the light from ceiling to floor as you build a lighting plan. Let’s take a stairwell for example: start on your ceiling with a chandelier, then consider sconces on your walls, and what about step lights to illuminate your stairs?

2. Consider the amount of lighting you will need to meet the functional requirements of your space. Frequently used spaces like kitchens, stairwells, offices and bathrooms need the most amount of light. Our lighting designers will review lighting plans with you to ensure you get what you need so that you will be able to do what you need to do!

3. Look at the style of your home and consider lighting that compliments the design of your space. If chosen wisely, lighting is truly the jewelry of your home!

4. Take the time to see what bulbs work the best in your spaces. In today’s world there is so much choice, it isn’t just about watts or efficiency. You need to find the bulbs that will work with the color of your room and the light level/ intensity you are looking for. The bottom line, wrong bulbs look wrong!

5. Keep in mind the budget requirements of your project. Do not leave your lighting plans to what is “ left over” or you will find your space is under lit and under whelmed!

Maple Ridge Lighting staff, from left to right: Dayna, Kathy, Gosha, Karin, Hilda, & Peter.

Maple Ridge Lighting is so much more than just a lighting store From ceiling to floor: chandeliers, lamps, mirrors, art and endless home decor items fill the popular showroom on 227th Street. There is everything from the most contemporary to the classically inspired. Truly something for everybody!

“We are repeatedly told by our customers how beautiful our showroom is and that we have more selection than any other.” says owner Hilda Hill. “The instore displays at Maple Ridge Lighting offer more inspiration than those found in your typical lighting warehouse-style showrooms or big box stores. Our vignettes help customers decide how a fixture might look in their home and what decor items might compliment

their choices. With the focus on creating personalized spaces, customers appreciate the little extras we do!”

At Maple Ridge Lighting, we carry products from all the major manufacturers and are competitively priced.

Whether you are shopping for a simple vanity fixture or an elaborate foyer chandelier, we have something for you to see or we will help you find it. Our design/service staff is second to none

and will help you find bright ideas for all your spaces. If you have a significant project, they will even come out on site and take a look in order to develop a personalized lighting plan for you.

Simply put ... old fashioned service at its best!

This is now our 27th year in business and we are very grateful to our clientele and contractors who have supported us for almost 3 decades! If you have never been in to visit us, come and see the best kept “sparkly secret” on 227th street! We look forward to working with you in finding bright ideas for all your beautiful spaces!

With as many choices that exist in today’s market, there truly is something for everyone’s style and budget Hilda Hill, Maple Ridge Lighting Owner

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B29

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Simply put, poorly lit spaces underwhelm your home!

Lighting is the most critical element in a room it shows off everything from top to bottom!

today See us about a k s a d an home free in on from i t a t l u s con ign our des ants. consult

More Than Just A Lighting Store www.mapleridgelighting.ca

Maple Ridge Lighting 11947 227th Street 604.463.8682 www.mapleridgelighting.ca

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B30 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five ReaSonS to ChooSe WiLLoW ManoR

by Wendy Upton

1. Continuum of care, from independent living to memory to full care.

2. Caring and dedicated staff members, many of whom have been with us for our full 10 years.

3. Great in-house events for our residents and the community.

4. Five options for both lunch and dinner menus, as well as fresh baked treats in the morning and afternoon.

5. Independent living with in-house security – a worry-free lifestyle.

Above: Residents of Willow Manor, Marjolyn, Martha, and Eveline, enjoying each other’s company. Right: Bev celebrates her 85th birthday.

Willow Senior Living Residence, creating customized care At the Willow Senior Living Residence in Maple Ridge, the goal is to create customized care to meet the individual needs of every resident, says sales and marketing manager Wendy Upton.

Having been in the community for the past 10 years, she says Willow Senior Living Residence has been able to establish those strong bonds with the community and its staff. With 100 independent suites, 20 CARE suites and 14 in it’s specialized memory care department, Willow offers a wide range of options for Maple Ridge’s growing senior population.

But its biggest selling point can’t be calculated using numbers. Upton said it’s the overall attitude a resident experiences when they first walk in.

“A number of our staff have been with us since we first opened our doors,” notes Upton. “It provides them a real comfort level for residents knowing they are coming to live in a home that has a real sense of community and belonging.”

Part of building that relationship comes with Willow’s emphasis on community-driven activities. Upton says when Willow hosts an event, they want to make it open to more than just the people living under their roof.

The goal is to incorporate family and community.

“Seniors have so much to give back to the community. Many of our residents continue to play vital roles in Maple Ridge, especially with their volunteer work.”

So whether it’s a scheduled brush card tournament, or the annual Senior Star talent competition, the emphasis

it gets includes more than just the residents.

Upton says staff are especially excited about plans to host a “Senior Prom” in March. The event will feature entertainer Big Daddy Jay Phillips – a Vegas-style crooner whose repertoire extends to musical theatre, Broadway hits and Rat Pack favourites.

Many of our residents continue to play vital roles in Maple Ridge, especially with their volunteer work Wendy Upton, Willow Manor Sales and Marketing Manager Upton says residents, whether they are independent or require greater care, benefit greatly from the social emphasis placed at Willow Senior Living Residence.

“It really puts a smile on their faces.”

Ensuring that residents and family

are comfortable is what has made the past decade so successful at the seniors’ care facility, she emphasizes.

Willow offers a wide range of care – everything from independent living for seniors looking to downsize, to long-term care for those who need medical attention. The residence can also handle short-term stays for people between homes.

Willow also has a unique care program known as The Gardens. It’s a highly personalized approach to help residents who are experiencing memory loss. Meeting individual priorities of residents with programs like The Gardens ensures a better quality of life for everyone involved, said Upton.

The comfortable, classic architecture of the Willow adds to the comfort level of its residents, she added, but its real strength lies in its experienced staff.

“We want residents to feel like they are part of a larger community, that they have a network of family, friends, and staff who have their best interests at heart.”

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B31

Liz and Frank never missed a beat…

And now they’re ready for the next step.

They took their first whirl around the dance floor in 1948 and have been kicking up their heels ever since. When they started looking for retirement living options, they were pleased to find out that Chartwell Retirement Residences offers active lifestyle programs like their signature Rhythm n’ Moves class.

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And while they are enjoying a busy lifestyle today, they appreciate the peace of mind in knowing that Chartwell offers flexibility and choice to help with changing care needs in the future. Until that time, they’ll continue to follow where the music leads in their new Chartwell home.

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B32 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

marketplace Five Consumer Tips

by Vivian Hatiras

1. Know what you can afford before you fall in love.

2. Save a lot of money later by spending a little of it now.

Consider making a larger down payment on your home purchase.

A larger down payment will also reduce the cost of mortgage loan insurance, which is required if your down payment is less than 20%.

Another easy way to save money is by making accelerated weekly or bi-weekly mortgage payments, instead of monthly ones.

3.Get the mortgage that’s right for you. If you worry about changing interest rates and the potential impact on the exact amount you will pay each month, look at a longer-term fixed-rate mortgage. If you are comfortable with fluctuating interest rates and knowing your payments could change depending on what happens with interest rates, then a variable interest rate mortgage might work for you.

4. Remember to save for additional costs. Many new homeowners are surprised when they discover that the purchase price and mortgage payments are not the only costs associated with owning a home. Make sure you have an adequate financial buffer to cover the one-time costs required to complete your home purchase. I can help you with an itemized list.

5. Buying your first home?

Learn the basics, calculate costs and get comfortable with all the details you need to know at www.tdcanadatrust.com/ mortgages/first-time-home-buyer/ and call me for a consultation 604 868 0415

Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are two of the fastest growing communities in British Columbia.

Find the home and mortgage that’s right for you I had the pleasure of speaking with Vivian Hatiras, a TD Mobile Mortgage Specialist based out of the ValleyFair Mall branch of TD Canada Trust to talk about her home financing expertise.

Vivian’s experience is in residential mortgage lending, and she helps clients achieve their housing dreams with sound mortgage advice.

She’s built up a solid clientele over the years, and takes great pleasure in seeing the children of her original clients come to her for advice on mortgages.

“It’s a special feeling, to see the children of clients walk through the door for their own mortgages.”

So how does Vivian build such a positive relationship with her clients? Quite simply – she cares.

“When I sit down with someone for the first time it’s more about putting them at ease than anything else. People are often nervous and I assure them that I have their best interests at heart.”

Part of creating that sense of confidence is laying out all the options for potential clients to ensure they always have all of the information they need to make informed, reasoned decisions.

“My goal is to help. I will walk them through the process, and make sure

they’re comfortable every step of the way.”

My goal is to help. I will walk them through the process, and make sure they’re comfortable every step of the way.

Vivian Hatiras, TD Mobile Mortgage Specialist Just as important to her is what happens after a transaction is completed, because Vivian is a big believer in staying in touch with her clients.

She provides them with ongoing mortgage information over the years, along with helpful financial information.

Vivian knows that it’s the building of relationships that keeps people coming to see her. Just as importantly, it’s the sense of trust that develops between her and her clients. “I think two of the most important qualities that I offer my clients are longevity and permanence.

I’ve been working in Maple Ridge as a Manager, Mobile Mortgage Specialist since 1997.”

Another factor that her clients appreciate is her connection to the community she lives and works in.

It’s that kind of care and commitment that Vivian believes contributed to her recent Five Star Professional Award – a leading consumer’s referral citation.

“I’ve received other industry and corporate awards over the years,” says Vivian, “but this one was very special because it was my clients recognizing me.” You can’t help but feel good when your clients think that highly of you, and the feeling is mutual.

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B33

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      

 

   

B34 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five TipS For keepiNg plaNTS healThy Through The wiNTer

by Rylan and Dayton van der Pauw

1. Do not over-water your plants, especially in the winter months.

Water needs for most plants drop significantly in the winter, so ease up on supply.

2. Keep the plants close to a light source. If you don’t have a good window for this, purchase supplemental artificial light sources as needed.

3. Keep the plants away from drafts and heat vents. Most indoor plants are adverse to temperature fluctuations, so place them where they won’t be subject to swings in temperature.

4. NASA recently studied the effects of plants on proper air filtration and discovered that one six-inch plant per 100 square feet of space is required to keep your surrounding air at optimum condition. This means a 2,500 square foot home should have the equivalent of 25 six-inch plants.

5. Find a convenient place inside your home to start your outdoor plants right now and they’ll be ready for transfer out of doors in April.

The selection at Triple Tree Nurseryland could fill your garden. Photos by Colleen Flanagan.

Staff at Triple Tree Nurseryland always passionate about plants When you love what you do for a living it’s easy to come to work day after day, as Tom van der Pauw of Triple Tree Nurseryland can attest to after decades in the family business he still gets enthused about.

“Every day I’m excited about our business,” says Tom, whose father, Martin, and mom, Bep, started the company back in 1962 after emigrating from the Netherlands. “This is never a mundane job; there’s always something fun and exciting to take care of, so in that way I think we’re pretty lucky here.”

That enthusiasm is shared by Tom’s sons Dayton and Rylan, who grew up around the company. They started working in their teens. The pair are the third generation of van der Pauws to work in the family business, and Rylan says he’s working hard today so that his new son, Greyer, might some day be able to continue the tradition.

“This really is a great family business to work in,” Rylan offers. “There’s a lot of passion in our family and in our staff for what we do. There are currently 16 people working here, and I’m pretty sure every one of them loves what they do. The fact that most staff have worked here for 20 plus years certainly suggests that’s the case.”

Asked to explain the source of that passion, Rylan says it’s easy to get worked up about plants because of what they do for people and the planet.

However, the passion for the business is in large part generated by the customers who come through doors year after year.

“It’s easy to get passionate about a business when you have customers who are so enthusiastic about what you sell. They come here because we help nurture their personal passion for plants and gardening, for beautifying

their world, for growing things, and for making the world a better place because of it.”

It’s the ever-changing aspect of the business that also appeals. Seasons constantly change, and there is always something new to offer, so it’s easy to stay motivated, Tom adds.

Triple Tree Nurseryland caters to those who love plants, and it is large enough, and carries enough stock, to suit pretty much any individual taste.

“We have more than 1,000 varieties of trees and shrubs on site,” says Dayton. “There are very few nurseries in the Lower Mainland that can make the same claim. We offer pretty much everything you’d expect in a nursery, and a whole lot more.”

Trees and shrubs are certainly a major part of the business, but Triple Tree also offers huge selections of annual and perennial flowers and other plants, vegetables and herbs, tropicals and pond plants. There also have a huge selection of indoor and outdoor decorator items to add excitement and interest to whatever part of your home you’re trying to beautify. Landscaping products are available, and they even have a part of the store devoted to birds.

As important as variety is, the health of the plants being sold is equally vital.

Tom says they spend a lot of money and time pruning, fertilizing, watering and re-potting plants in stock to ensure their health, so that when a customer buys a plant he or she will get complete satisfaction from the purchase.

“We like to think we’re as good as there is out there,” says Tom. “Over the years we’ve listened to our customers and brought in the kinds of plants and accessories they want, and that’s helped us build up a pretty impressive product line that appeals to a huge cross section of home owners in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.”

An impressive product line is only part of the equation, however. Dayton says it wouldn’t be possible to offer such a wide range of goods if it wasn’t for the knowledge and experience of the staff he and his father work with day in and day out.

“Our people know their stuff, it’s as simple as that,” he says. “The average experience level of our employees is 20 years. We train them well, they’re continually learning, and because they stay with us they’re a wealth of information for our customers. That’s important because our customer base ranges from absolute beginners who know nothing about plants but want to learn, to veteran gardeners and professionals who want highly technical or unusual information.”

There are several specialists working at Triple Tree who can help with particular problems or issues, including décor specialist Rianna (a veteran New York window display designer), who can help design your perfect house.

Another advantage to having employees who are in the store year after year is the familiarity factor, which customers particularly enjoy.

“It’s that ‘Cheers’ factor, where everybody knows your name,” says Rylan. “People like it when they’re recognized. We might not know everyone’s name right off the bat, but we remember faces and what people are interested in, and that makes them more comfortable.”

“People come from all over the Lower Mainland to see us because of our experience and exceptional inventory,” says Tom. “We absolutely love having people in the store, even when they’re not buying. You’d be surprised how many people come just to walk through the grounds like it was a park. There are many elderly people who no longer have access to a yard because they now live in an apartment who do this, and we really enjoy their visits because it makes them feel good, and talking with them does wonders for us too.”

It’s wintertime, so things are pretty low key at Triple Tree Nurseryland, but the staff is busy as ever putting everything together for that first nice weekend in March.

“It’s going to come, just as sure as the flowers bloom,” says Tom. “We’ll be slow, slow, slow, and then the sun is going to burst forth in March and we’re going to be swamped with everyone who’s been itching to get outside into the yard. It’s the best time of the year, and we will definitely be ready.”

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B35

We are always thinking about Spring All Specials on Sale from January 31 to February 5* Japanese Camellias

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TRIPLE TREE

Lougheed Hwy. Keep informed... Email Club www.tripletreenurseryland.com

www.tripletreenurseryland.com

207th St.

20503 Lougheed Highway, Maple Ridge

▲

203rd St.

Open Daily 9 am - 6 pm

B36 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five Facts about Meadows GardeNs GolF club

by Brett Saunders

1. The Loft Lounge & Eatery is open to everyone six days a week (seven starting in April) from 11 a.m. through dinner.

2. The Wedge Bar & Grill is open to everyone seven days a week from 7 a.m. for breakfast and lunch.

Brett Saunders gives a golf student some pointers on putting. Photos by Colleen Flanagan.

3. There is a new driving range located on site that is available for all to use.

No need to stay green

4. Memberships are available and entitle the holder to many special privileges.

Are you one of those golfers who makes the green in two and then triple bogeys the hole because your short game isn’t up to snuff? Would you like to make your time on the green a bit more satisfying?

5. Meadow Gardens offers a professionally run golf academy for golfers of every skill level.

Well, Meadow Gardens Golf Club has the solution. Launched in May of last year, the SaundersRodgers Precision Putting Studio (PPS) is the opportunity you’ve been looking for to shave strokes off your short game by combining hightech wizardry with top-notch coaching.

Brett Saunders, an Australian golf pro who now calls the Lower Mainland home, says the PPS is a unique program for improving one’s putting game. It involves video and computer analysis of your putting on a specially-made indoor putting green, followed by corrective coaching from either Brett or his business partner Scott Rodgers, the head professional at Meadow Gardens.

“This is the only facility of its kind in Canada and we have professional golfers flying in from around the world to utilize our studio,” says Brett. “They come because they want to improve their game, which is the same reason all of our clients come to us. Every golfer, whether pro or casual, would like to improve their game… that’s just the nature of golf. We offer a program that allows us to help golfers of every level improve their putting at a very reasonable cost, and in only a few months.”

It’s all part of the SaundersRodgers Performance Golf Academy (SRPGA), which aids golfers in improving all aspects of their game, including driving, pitching, wedge-work and putting.

Brett and Scott help golfers of every age and skill level through the academy. Professionals, serious golfers, casual players and neophytes are all welcome at the SRPGA. “One of the important things we’re trying to get out to the public is that

golf is a family sport that can be enjoyed from as young as four or five years old right into one’s senior years,” says Brett. “Golf is one of a very small group of sports that anyone can enjoy because it can accommodate everyone, regardless of age, ability or fitness level, and the more you play, the better you feel and the better you get.”

Meadow Gardens Golf Club is, first and foremost, a golf facility, and the Academy is one of the ways the ownership group is endeavouring to provide a complete golf experience for club members and guests alike. In addition to the Academy, the Club recently opened a driving range. There is also a fitness facility to help improve strength and conditioning.

Tournaments are big part of the golf experience at Meadow Gardens, and every year there are a wide variety of community and club tourneys taking place. Tournament packages are customized to suit the needs of the client under the care of ProShop Manager Logan Milliken and his team.

As expected golf is the focal point of the Meadow Gardens experience, but it isn’t the total story, says Operations Manager Hanna Brychkouskaya.

Meadow Gardens also offers banquet rooms, The Loft Lounge & Eatery, and the Wedge Bar & Grill, making it a focal point for community gatherings and dining adventures.

Hanna notes the banquet rooms are considered one of the premier locations in the Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge area for fundraisers, weddings, corporate meetings, seminars and other large-scale events, because they

can accommodate up to 350 guests in elegant surroundings.

The ability to be flexible to suit the needs of the client, and a highly experienced staff led by veteran weddings and events coordinator Claire Viktora, are the key to Meadow Gardens’ success in this area.

“Our team does outstanding work when it comes to special events,” says Hanna. “The primary goal is to make every event a complete and utter success, and our team bends over backwards to accommodate the needs of our clients.”

If you’re just looking for a nice meal, The Loft Lounge & Eatery has one of the best views of any restaurant in town… the perfect vantage point for breathtaking sunsets and observing the spectacular Golden Ears and surrounding mountains.

Chef Anthony’s menu features West Coast favourites infused with Japanese twists that make for delightful dining to suit every palate, and the wine and martini lists are extensive. The Loft is currently open six days a week from 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner.

For a less formal dining experience, golfers heading out onto the links (and casual diners who just want to relax in the superb surroundings of Meadow Gardens Golf Club) will certainly enjoy the menu at the Wedge Bar & Grill.

Located on the lower level, the Wedge offers light, delicious fare for breakfast and lunch. The Wedge is open from 7 a.m. daily.

While Meadow Gardens is open to the public for golf and dining, club membership is certainly an option – and a very appealing one at that.

Hanna is pleased to note that membership definitely has its privileges at Meadow Gardens Golf Club, including special rates for golf, discounts in the golf shop and restaurants, members only events and competitions, full access to the clubhouse, a membersonly lounge, and much, much more.

“If you’re an avid golfer, or your family is into golf, a club membership is definitely a terrific way to enhance your golfing experience at Meadow Gardens,” she adds. “The rates are very reasonable, and they offer excellent value over the course of a year.

We particularly enjoy having families become members because we believe golf is a great way for families to have fun together.”

As great as membership at Meadows Gardens is, keep in mind that not everyone who golfs there is a member.

As mentioned, the club is open to the public throughout the year (except for member-only events) and everyone is invited to make Meadow Gardens their golfing headquarters.

Meadow Gardens Golf Club is definitely one of the premier golf destinations in the Metro Vancouver area, and its central location at the border of Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge makes it extremely convenient to local residents.

The management and staff look forward to seeing you soon – for golf, a meal, or a special function. Regardless of the reason, you will warmly welcomed.

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B37

Join us for a great year round golf and dining experience.

Membership Opportunities

JOIN FOR

$

Wedge Bar & Grill

1000 *

Open at 7am everyday for breakfast,

PER YEAR

unwind with friends

Single Full Play ..................................................... $15,000 Family ................................................................... $20,000 Senior (60 plus) .......................................................... $6,000 Ladies (Limited) ........................................................... $6,000

Check out specials on www.meadowgardens.com/loft

OPEN EVERYDAY EXCEPT MONDAYS DURING WINTER SEASON AT 11AM

$1000 payment due upon signing and the balance over ten years interest free.

The Loft Lounge & Eatery

Junior Yearly Pass 12-18 years ................................................................ $449

Join us Sundays for Brunch and our Prime Rib Buffet ♥

Extended Junior 19-24 years ................................................................ $949

♥♥

For Valentine’s

*Not including monthly dues or food assessment *Family includes spouse and children 18 & under *Some conditions apply *All rates are plus applicable tax*

♥

♥

For inquiries call: Frank Asin, General Manager Membership does have it’s privileges... **Not including monthly dues and food assessment. **Offer available for a limited time. * All fees are plus tax

For inquiries call: Frank Asin, General Manager 604-465-5474 ext. 202 frankasin@meadowgardens.com

♥

4 Course Meal $100/couple ♥ Call now to make your reservations

♥

Practice range now open.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Reservations required

604-465-5474

19675 Meadow Gardens Way, Pitt Meadows

Checkout our green fees, daily & weekly menu specials at

www.meadowgardens.com

B38 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

marketplace Five Tips For creATing A sTronger communiTy

by Hanna Vorlicek

1. Volunteer.

2. Donate in-kind or monetarily.

3. Participate.

4. Spread the word.

5. Share your talents and skills.

Lorie, Michelle, Hanna, Denean, and Anahi of the Pitt Meadows Community Association organize events to bring people together. Photos by Colleen Flanagan.

Association helps residents get the most out of their community In a community of more than 18,000 people, Pitt Meadows has remained a steady destination for families for many years. Hanna Vorlicek, founder and President of the PMCA made it her family’s home in 2001.

In 2011, Vorlicek assembled a Board of Directors and founded the Pitt Meadows Community Association.

This association began in the residential development of Osprey Village, and that’s where they held their first community events, including Hockey Day, and Osprey Days.

The PMCA organizes events yearround in Pitt Meadows to help bring people together. Vorlicek hopes that by hosting events, the PMCA will encourage people from across the community to check out the different areas within their city and engage with each other.

In its first year the PMCA has held events throughout Pitt Meadows.

“The Sham-Rock-Shake” is held on St. Patrick’s Day at Meadowvale Mall; “Hockey Day” has traveled from Osprey Village to Meadowtown Centre and back; Heritage Hall will host a family movie (Brave) for the second year on February 11th, 2013.

As one of the many bedroom communities across the Lower Mainland, many Pitt residents make the daily commute to Vancouver to work. Vorlicek says the PCMA offers commuters and all residents some activities keep them in this community.

“Yes, people commute, but what do they do when they are home?” she said.

“Let’s make our community a place that people want to live and play, and a place where people want to visit.”

“Our focus is bringing people together, all people,” she said.

Hanna Vorlicek wants to foster an environment that promotes community relations. She wants people to be able to walk down the street, smile and great each other by name. She wants a Pitt Meadows that had a distinct culture and feel.

As a single mother, Vorlicek is a busy woman with lots on the go, like most families these days. Shuttling her son to and from school, practices, games, but not only does she manage, Vorlicek still has time to help her community flourish.

Our focus is bringing people together, all people Hanna Vorlicek, PMCA founder and president The “Shop Your Town” campaign began last year, in partnership with businesses around the community.

‘Shop Your Town” encourages residents to shop at local businesses. When they do, they submit 100 words or less about their experience for a chance to

win a weekly prize. People can enter online at www.mapleridgenews.com/ contests. Weekly winners receive a prize donated by a local business and are entered into the grand prize draw that will take place at the PMCA’s “Sham-Rock Shake” in March.

“The whole point is to get people to move around Pitt Meadows,” Vorlicek said. “and engage with each other.”

“Shop Your Town” is just one of more than 20+ events put on by the association since its inception in 2011. In its’ first year, the PMCA hosted numerous events with sponsorship money.

This year it has 10 events scheduled, including its first Family Day Movie and Games Feb. 11 at the Heritage Hall starting at noon.

“We’ve got our events booked from now through to 2014,” Vorlicek said.

This year they’ll also be hosting a fundraiser to raise money for future events. The PMCA is a non-profit organization that only runs with the support of donors and volunteers. Without donations, it wouldn’t be able to offer the variety of family events it does, Vorlicek said.

“Without the support, the community will lose at least 10 events per year,” she said.

But money isn’t the only thing needed to keep these events going.

Volunteers are a huge part of any event hosted by the PMCA, Vorlicek said.

“What we want to do is find people in our community who want to share their passions, skills and talents with other people in our community,” she said.

Part of PMCA’s goal of bringing people together means getting people to share their passions with the community. Vorlicek wants to see people excited about sharing their experiences and skills with one another.

She encourages anyone with an idea to bring it to the association; it could be the next big event.

Take, for example, the PMCA’s extreme couponing workshop.

This seminar would never have come about if someone hadn’t approached Vorlicek with some extra products she wanted to donate. When Vorlicek asked why she had so much, she explained that it was because of coupons. This seminar was wildly popular, Vorlicek said, and she expects there will be a few more in the future.

“If somebody has an idea about an event,” she said, “they can come to us and we’ll go, ‘OK and let’s work on this together.’ We have the resources.”

And it really is all about Pitt Meadows. Vorlicek hopes that by hosting events close to home more people will want to stay home on the weekends rather than venturing out to other cities.

“There are many different things we can do here and if we start to show that we have a vibrant community here, then people are going to want to stay in our community on those weekends,” she said. “It’s how we build up who we are and how we’re seen out there.”

Anyone with an idea or who wants to volunteer can contact the PMCA and don’t forget to check out their next event, Family Day Movie Feb. 11 being held at the Heritage Hall in Pitt Meadows.

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B39

P I T T M E A D O W S C O M M U N I T Y A S S O C I AT I O N

We Invite You To These Events Shop Your Town January 18th Starting July 2012 we invite you, your family and friends join to-usMarch at

15th

Enter online at www.mapleridgenews.com to win weekly prizes. Grand prize will be announced March 17th at the Sham-Rock Shake.

2nd Weekend July & August

Family Day Movie &August Games Monday, February 11th 29th 4pm to 7pm ●

Bring the kids, grandma and Uncle Joe for an afternoon of games and a movie on Family Day. Popcorn, Hot Dogs, treats and more! It all starts at noon on February 11th upstairs at Heritage Hall.

Fireworks Sham-Rock Shake Sunday, March 17th October 31st

Once again the Pitt Meadows Community Association will be hosting the Sham-Rock Shake at Meadowvale. Come celebrate the luck of Irish, and see who will win the Grand Prize for our “Shop Your

2nd Weekend July & August

Town” contest. Dance to live music and enjoy performances of Irish decent. Face Painting, BBQ, Crafts and more.

S t a rt s i n J a nu a ry (+ Easter Egg Hunt) Sunday, March 31st Spring Fling

March 2013

Come Celebrate the 3rd Annual Spring Fling and 3rd Anniversary of Stomping Grounds Coffee House & Bistro. Hosted by the Pitt Meadows Community Association and the Osprey Village Business Association and featuring an Easter Egg Hunt, Dilly the Clown, Crafts, Face Painting, and a visit from the Easter Bunny and a tasty BBQ by Stomping Grounds.

All starting at 11am on March 31st in Osprey Village.

Sunday, April 7th

11 am to 2 pm Earth/Arbour Day Thursday, April 18th Osprey Village

April 18th the Pitt Meadows Community Association will celebrate Earth/Arbour Day. Barnston View Road

SPRING FLING

Pitt Meadows Community Association For details on these and other events OspreyVillage.com or PMCAonline.com Fundraiser Event Mark your calendars for our first annual fundraising event.

S t a rt s i n J a nu a ry

Osprey Day Saturday, July 6th

Osprey Day Sunday, August 10th Hockey Day Sunday, September 1st Christmas Tree Lighting Sunday, December 1st For more details stay tuned to

https://www.facebook.com/PittMeadowsCommunityAssociation Sunday, April 7th

We encourage local 11 businesses and residents to get involved. Become a sponsor or volunteer am to 2 pm

For more information call us at 604.465.5500.

Barnston View Road

Building community spirit, Engaging volunteers, Supporting local businesses, bringing our Community together.

B40 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace FIve TIps For choosIng a conTracTor

by Tighe Lefebvre

1. Have a realistic pre-approved budget to keep the renovations within a financial comfort zone.

2. Do your research. Try and have as much knowledge as possible about the products you would like to use.

3. Request references from your contractor. Check the BBB. Ask for accreditation such as red seal ticket, wcb coverage, insurance coverage, local business licences.

Any professional contractor should have all of the above.

4. If unexpected repairs occur during the renovation be sure to have a set price for the necessary work to correct the issues.

5. Any good contractor knows how important communication is between them and the homeowner. Be sure all your questions and concerns are answered and dealt with in a timely manner.

Make lists and write down questions so you are well prepared during site meetings.

Terrafirma staff from left: Rob Allen, Tighe Lefebvre, Norm Bruneau, and Kent Changfoot.

Terrafirma Industries’ busiest year yet Terrafirma Industries is more than a contracting firm. It’s a one-stop shop for all your renovation needs. From tear down to cabinets, Terrafirma offers everything anyone would ever need to renovate their home.

And if they don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, Tighe Lefebvre and his team will do their best to get it.

“Every time we go through a renovation, there’s new products we have to research,” he said. “Sometimes it’s not always better, but it is worth looking into.”

Lefebvre has been working as a contractor for 10 years now and after a decade of renovating homes in Maple Ridge he is excited to move forward with Terrafirma.

“We’re trying to add work, add contacts, add employees,” Lefebvre said. “I think our next phase is going to try and find a lease location where we can actually have people come in and see what we have to offer in flooring and cabinetry.”

This growth comes at a time where many other industries are faltering.

“With the current situation in the real estate market, people are tending to stay where they are rather than try to sell in this market,” Lefebvre said.

What’s more, many homeowners are looking for ways to pay down their mortgages faster by building or renovating basement suites.

And this is good news for Terrafirma Industries, which, according to Lefebvre, had one of its best years last year.

This year, as well, is looking to be another great one for the company.

Lefebvre has seen an increase in buyers choosing homes with lower price tags in order to save money for post-purchase renovations.

“In the last year, we’ve probably had about a half dozen clients that we’ve gone out and looked at homes before they’ve purchased them and supplied quotes for them,” Lefebvre said.

This trend allows prospective homebuyers the option to update their new home to a style they want in a way that saves them money.

The updates can be anything from new kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms, to cabinets and flooring.

“People are finding a house they like, it might not be what they want, but they’re finding that, with it being a buyers’ market, they can lower their offer and incorporate the renovation costs into their offer so they’re still where they want to be with their price point,” Lefebvre said.

Another new trend is the growing popularity of environmentally friendly products. While most green products are still the more expensive option, Lefebvre thinks it’s important to have that option available to clients, even if they choose something else.

“A lot of the customers are willing to pay the extra dollar to have an eco-friendly product, to do their part in helping the environment.”

The majority of the work Terrafirma does in the Maple Ridge area is still renovations in homes, where an owner has lived there for many years.

“A lot of our work is where people have been in their houses for 10 to 15 years and they’re looking to update and they’re looking to freshen up,” said Lefebvre.

Homeowners looking to spruce up their current digs can find anything they need from Terrafirma. From the initial demolition and remodeling to flooring installation and painting, Terrafirma Industries is a well-rounded contracting firm.

“We’re basically a full renovation contractor, if you can dream it we can build it” Lefebvre said.

And with such a large expanse of work, Lefebvre works hard to make renovations as painless as possible for homeowners.

“We take care of everything from the demolition right through to the finishing,” he said.

Hiring Terrafirma Industries means hiring a team of contractors and subcontractors who can do it all.

Lefebvre strongly believes in using his own subcontractors for the more specific parts of a renovation, such as plumbing and electrical.

“Once they come to us, they can rest assured we have all the right people to take the project from start to finish,” he said.

And with 10 years experience working as a contractor in Maple Ridge, Lefebvre certainly knows the right people.

“It’s still a small-town feel,” he said.

“It’s a nice, close-knit community. We enjoy working in the area and supporting local dealers and suppliers.”

And people get to know your company, too.

Much of the growth Terrafirma Industries has experienced in the past few years is because of referrals within the community.

“Most of our referral work comes from our existing customers, designers and from realtors who trust us to take good care of their clients,” Lefebvre said. “It’s word of mouth that drives our business.”

A recommendation from previous clients helps spread the word, for any business, but for Terrafirma it’s especially important. Contracting is a big industry and with many companies to choose from, it’s not always easy to know which one is best for your renovation.

That’s why Lefebvre suggests checking the Better Business Bureau when looking into hiring a contractor. That way you’ll know what you’re getting and avoid any nasty surprises or shady contractors.

As for Terrafirma Industries, Lefebvre’s goal is to make it a one-stop place for all renovations, big or small, and do it in a way that feels like a family-owned business. He hopes that by opening a storefront location, this welcoming attitude will bring in new clients.

“You can sit down, look over plans, look at cabinets and counter tops, and get an idea of what’s available for you,” Lefebvre said. “A place to come in and have a look at all we have to offer.”

While a location hasn’t been found, yet, it’s only a matter of time for now he encourages you to visit www.terrafirmaindustries.ca to view current projects. Striving to continue growth, not only in Maple Ridge, but the lower mainland as well.

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B41

want to make

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11402 River Wynd, Maple Ridge 604.312.6160 info@terrafirmaindustries.ca terrafirmaindustries.ca

B42 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five Tips For Dining ouT

by Robert Klaus

1. Make a reservation: “It just helps the restaurant plan, especially restaurants that cook their food fresh. And you can usually get priority seating.”

2. Eat food that you don’t normally eat at home: “Be a little more adventurous. Make it a special night.”

3. Try and pair your wines with what you order: “Restaurants with an extensive wine list will gladly advise you, and you can enhance your dining experience.”

4. For groups, eating out can be far cheaper than getting an event catered, and can offer less hassles as well: “Restaurants, you walk in, you walk out. You don’t have to worry about setup or cleanup.”

5. Take your time when you go to a restaurant: “Make it more of an event. You can really enjoy your evening out that way.”

Robert Klaus, owner/manager of Lava Dining and Lounge, invites you to be his guest. Photo by Colleen Flanagan.

Lava Dining and Lounge always a good host At Maple Ridge’s Lava Dining and Lounge restaurant, the focus is on providing guests with a great dining experience and an ever-evolving selection of fresh, seasonal food.

“I keep a short menu that’s very seasonal,” owner/manager Robert Klaus said. “That’s the most important thing to me, that we offer quality seasonal ingredients” Klaus said his restaurant intentionally focuses on purchasing small quantities from local suppliers so that the food is always fresh, always cooked soon after it’s bought, and always top quality.

“I have relationships with local suppliers, and it comes to my door fresh,” he said. “ I don’t have a freezer, I don’t have a microwave. We cook everything fresh.”

He said his overriding focus is to acquire the best ingredients possible.

Klaus said the local poultry farms are particularly high-quality.

“There are good poultry farms in the region of Maple Ridge that make an exceptional product – no chemicals, no byproducts,” he said. “It’s the best chicken I can get.”

Klaus said ordering as much as he can locally is also good for the environment, as it reduces the fuel spent on shipping.

“We’re looking at sustainability.”

He said the restaurant deliberately operates very differently than a larger chain might.

“I’m trying to be exactly the opposite of a corporate restaurant,” Klaus said.

“It’s freshly cooked, it’s sustainable.”

He said that’s led him to focus on acquiring top-quality ingredients and then doing the work rather than simply buying pre-made or pre-cooked dishes.

“I really want to avoid someone else cooking for me,” Klaus said.

Klaus has been running Lava Dining and Lounge for the past two and a half years, with a menu that is ever-adapting to the seasons. It never starts to feel old.

I’m trying to be exactly the opposite of a corporate restaurant. I do not have customers I have guests.

Robert Klaus, Lava Dining and Lounge owner That wine list also has a local focus, particularly on providing B.C. wines that guests might not be able to find easily elsewhere.

“I’m very heavy on B.C. wineries, especially those not available in the liquor store,” Klaus said.

While the menu and the wine list are always evolving, one thing that doesn’t

change is the Lava Lounge’s focus on top-quality service. Klaus said he wants to make the Lava Lounge a place where people will frequently return.

“I put a lot of emphasis on service,” he said. “It’s important for me to build relationships with my guests.”

The restaurant is about more than just individual dining experiences, as it also handles corporate functions, parties and much more.

“We can accommodate up to 80 people,” Klaus said.

Klaus said Lava is extremely flexible on the food they can provide to larger parties, too.

“We can put packages together that fit people’s budgets,” he said.

The restaurant can also do off-site catering at customers’ homes.

“We actually go to people’s houses and cook there,” he said. “It can be anything from a martini party to a barbecue.”

While the Lava Dining and Lounge experience is continually evolving with the menu and wines offered, Klaus said there are always a few constants customers can depend on: fresh, seasonal dishes with a Pacific Northwest theme, high-quality ingredients (many of which are bought locally), and a commitment to excellent customer service. “We’re always growing.”

He’s always focusing on finding new ways to make the dining experience even better. As a business owner and resident of Maple Ridge where Robert lives with his wife Lindsay Wilson and their two boys offering the best experience possible at Lava is integral. A commitment to community is important in business and in life. Robert and his family are proud to support local events in Maple Ridge and TriCity where Lindsay owns a dance studio.

•

For more information, visit lavadininglounge.com, or call 604-476-0056 for reservations.

DINING

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B43

Out MAPLE RIDGE 3 Course Meal for $25

Choice of... Starters

Dungeness Crab Bisque, with Crab meat and Crème Fraiche.

House Greens, Roasted Pear, Blue Cheese and toasted Pecans Romaine Salad, Fried Capers, Croutons, Bacon Lardons and House Caesar Dressing.

Baked French Onion Soup, Veal Jus, Red wine, Puff Pastry and Gruyere Cheese.

Fishcakes, with Lemon-Thyme Aioli and Tomato Jam.

Main Menu

Pan Seared Steelhead, with Beet Risotto, Roasted Vegetables and Lemon Butter.

Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Fingerling Potatoes, green Beans and Apple and Pear Emulsion.

Roasted Fraser Valley Chicken Breast, Potato Soufflé and Roasted Vegetables.

Braised Beef Short Rib, Olives, Carrots and Celery, with whipped Potatoes.

Seafood Ciopinno, with Tomatoes and Fennel stew and Grilled Flat bread.

Dessert

A new selection every day.

Not applicable with any other offers or coupons. No large groups. ( Maximum of 6 Guests ) Reservations only. Until Feb. 10th, 2013.

TUESDAY - Schnitzel Night for $12.99

4 Different Schnitzels

Biggest Schnitzel in town served by a true Austrian.

MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS

TH

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Fin e

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ta ur an

i ur Favo

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A-LIST

Dining R

es

Winner of Georgia Straight Golden Plates “Best Restaurant outside Vancouver” A LIST WINNER FOR FINE DINING & SERVICE

Garden Patio ~ Great Food ~ Party Bookings Market Fresh Ingredients Catering Available. Now booking for spring & Summer parties.

Filling up fo r Valentine’s Day. Make your reservations now.

22590 Dewdney Trunk Rd., 604.476.0056 Lunch Tuesday to Friday 11:30 till 2pm. • Dinner Tuesday to Sunday at 5pm. Closed on Monday.

lavadininglounge.ca

B44 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five Tips For heAlThy skin

by Dr. Allan Strauss

1. Drink water. It keeps the skin (and everything else) hydrated, thereby reducing dryness and wrinkles.

2. Reduce your stress. Stress ages the body, including your skin, which leads to premature wrinkles and other skin-related problems.

3. Stop smoking. You know it, we know it. Just STOP! 4. Take care of internal health problems and you’ll reduce or eliminate a variety of skin issues.

5. Get adequate nutrition. You skin needs proper nutrients in order to remain healthy, as does the rest of your body.

Dr. Strauss outlines the treatment area prior to a cosmetic procedure. Photos by Colleen Flanagan.

A natural fit Good health and well being – that’s the definition of the Latin world salveo, so it’s entirely appropriate that doctors Allan and Shalon Strauss decided to use the word to name their integrative medical and cosmetic clinic.

Salveo Naturopathic and Skin Care is a unique clinic to the Fraser Valley, offering a combination of internal and external health and cosmetic treatments to help people look and feel better all over.

“There’s plenty of documented evidence to support all the therapies we offer in our clinic, especially the link between external appearance and mental health, and vice versa,” says Dr. Allan Strauss, N.D. “When people look good, they tend to take better care of themselves, which leads to a more positive outlook on life. Likewise, when they feel good mentally, they tend to take better care of themselves, and as a result they start to feel better.”

To support this circle of well-being, Allan and his wife Shalon, both Naturopathic Physicians, decided to open Salveo Naturopathic and Skin Care a year ago in Maple Ridge.

“We’re kind of unique in the Valley,” says Dr. Allan. “There are several great naturopathic doctors out here, and quite a few medical clinics that deal in skin care, but we’re the only one that combines the two under one roof.”

It’s a natural fit as far as the doctor is concerned because health and beauty are so closely tied together. The goal at Salveo is to have people feeling and looking as good as they possibly can.

“We can tackle problems internally and externally with a combination of conventional and Naturopathic treatments,” says Dr. Allan. “A high percentage of what we do is skin care related, but what many people don’t realize is that their skin conditions and problems are merely a symptom of other health issues. We can treat both and this is where we can help them a lot.”

Salveo Naturopathic and Skin Care deals with most skin concerns, from fat, cellulite, brown spots, wrinkles and acne to scars, burns and tattoos. The doctors and their assistants use a wide variety of clinical and medical techniques to help patients achieve their goals.

“It’s actually a very exciting time for medical skin care treatments,” says Dr. Allan. “There are a lot of advancements being made, and there’s a big push to replace the more invasive procedures of plastic surgery with in-office procedures such as injections, lasers, and other in-office procedures. Where the science is going is quite amazing.

“Right now, the goal for companies in this field is to create less downtime for patients, and less discomfort using natural substances or techniques. People want results, but they don’t want pain, bandages and long recovery times.”

Dr. Allan says Salveo Naturopathic and Skin Care’s goal is to build relationships with clients, and to create trust between doctor and patient so that the patient’s problems can be handled with the most clinically effective treatments.

“When someone comes into our clinic they’re not just a ‘walking wrinkle,’ which is how some of them describe their experience at other clinics,” the doctor says with a rueful laugh. “We tend to take our time with patients, which isn’t something the medical profession is known for. We talk to them, get to know them to find out what their real issues are, and treat them accordingly. Our patients tell us they find the approach quite refreshing and helpful because we try to identify and treat the cause of concerns, going to a deeper level with the purpose of identifying and restoring youthfulness and vitality.

“Our patients appreciate that the treatments are personalized, individual therapies based on each patient’s particular needs. No two patients are alike, and neither are their concerns and issues, so the treatments for those problems shouldn’t be cookie-cutter in nature either.”

As mentioned, the treatments offered at Salveo Naturopathic and Skin Care are quite varied. Skin care tends to be taken care of with one or more of three main processes:

laboratory testing/treatments and cosmetic laser (fat, cellulite, skin rejuvenation, laser hair removal, pigment issues and tattoo removal); dermal fillers (injectible gels for wrinkles and non-surgical lifts); and vitamin/nutrient injections (Prolotherapy, Neurotherapy, Mesotherapy and Meyers Cocktail IV used for a variety of health and cosmetic issues).

Other anti-aging and skin care problems dealt with include: AntiAging & Skin Care Products; Weight Loss Injections; Chemical Peels; Dermal Fillers; Eyelash Extensions; Lip Rejuvenation; Medical Facials; Minor Surgery; Permanent Makeup; Selphyl PRP Facelifts.

Cosmetic laser therapy conditions dealt with regularly include: Fat & Cellulite Reduction; Laser Hair Removal; Pigmentation; Skin Rejuvenation; Skin Tightening; Tattoo Removal; Vascular Pigments; Vein Removal (Spider & Varicose) As can be seen, the range of skin treatments is wide, and so is the list of medical and Naturopathic services provided at Salveo Naturopathic and Skin Care, as well aesthetic services.

“We offer a lot of different services but they’re all done by licenced, registered and highly trained medical personnel,” says Dr. Strauss. “I have personally trained all over North America with the most sought after physicians in the areas of cosmetic injections and bio-identical hormones.

We spend a lot of time and effort to stay up-to-date with the latest in medical skincare and health advancements, and I ensure that our staff is certified and trained properly. Unfortunately, the same can not be said for everyone in the industry.

All products used or sold at Salveo Naturopathic and Skin Care is of professional, physician-grade quality so patients can be assured they’re getting top quality.

Currently celebrating their first anniversary in business, the doctors are pleased with the success of their clinic after one year.

“Maple Ridge has been very kind to us so far,” says Dr. Strauss. “Our patients love that they can now get these kinds of services right here in town whereas before they were having to travel to Vancouver or Langley or Surrey. They also love the personalized care they receive from a team of medical professionals who know what they’re doing.

“For Shalon and myself, it’s just nice to be able to help people who have conditions that make their lives less than what they wish them to be. Our own lives have been touched by such problems over the years, so we understand the issues, both physically and mentally. When we can help others overcome their particular health and cosmetic problems, that makes us feel good. It makes us realize our personal reason for becoming physicians in the first place and it gives us the impetus to keep going, and to provide the highest quality of health and skincare to improve the overall quality of life for everyone we treat.”

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B45

Cosmetic Services • Anti-Aging & Skin Care Products • Cellulite Reduction • Chemical Peels • Dermal Fillers • Eyelash Extensions • Lip Rejuvenation • Medical Facials • Mesotherapy • Minor Surgery • Permanent Makeup • Selphyl PRP Facelifts

Cosmetic Laser Therapy Services • Cellulite Reduction • Laser Hair Removal • Pigmentation • Skin Rejuvenation • Skin Tightening • Tattoo Removal • Vascular Pigments • Vein Removal (Spider & Varicose)

Now offering registered message therapy

Book now for a FREE 15 minute complimentary cosmetic consultation with the doctor.

Vela Shape

Before

Post 4 treatments

Post 8 treatments

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Naturopathic Services

• Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine • Adjunctive Cancer Treatments • Auto-Immune Disease • Bio-Identical Hormones • Clinical Nutrition • Dietary Counselling and Treatments • European Biopuncture for Pain • Heavy Metal Testing & Chelation • Illness Prevention Strategies • Infertility (Male & Female) • Intravenous Therapy • Laboratory Testing • Myers IV Cocktail

• Obesity & Weight Loss • Orthomolecular Medicine • Professional Health Care Products • Treating Chronic Disease & Illnesses • Treatment of Digestive System Illnesses • Treatment of Skin Disorders • Vitamin & Nutrient Injections • Prolotherapy • Menopause/Andropause

Photo Rejuvenation

Eyelash Extensions

Before

After

Skin Tightening

Before

After

Before

After

Extended Health Insurance & MSP Premium Accepted

101-22550 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge 604-477-4778 www.salveoclinic.ca

B46 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five Tips For cHoosing A peT

by Dr. Bhupinder Johar The staff at Haney Animal Hospital are happy to be at your service. Photos by Colleen Flanagan.

1. When choosing a pet, keep your own needs and abilities in mind. If you don’t have the time or energy to handle a highly active animal, then get one that doesn’t require as much effort.

2. When choosing a pet, keep the animal’s needs in mind. Choose an animal that is suitable to your living conditions, schedule, etc. It’s not fair to the animal to choose a high-maintenance pet when you can’t give it the care it deserves.

3. Choose a reputable breeder when buying an animal. Do your research and ask around. Price should not be the sole determining factor when choosing a pet. If it is, you could be setting yourself up for heavy expenses and heartache.

4. Ensure your new pet gets proper medical attention right away.

Get the animal fixed, get it the proper shots, and get a thorough check-up so that you can nip potential problems in the bud.

Also, make sure you take care of your pet’s teeth from day one to avoid medical problems later.

5. Always feed your pet good quality food in the right quantity.

This should be based on the needs of your pet.

Haney Animal Hospital dedicated to your pets

Dr. Bhupinder Johar was born into a farming family in rural India and spent his formative years around farm animals, so when it came time to choose a career, veterinary medicine seemed a natural fit.

After training as a veterinarian and working for eight years in India, Dr. Johar decided there were better opportunities for his family in Canada, and so he immigrated to this country so his children would have a brighter future.

After upgrading his education here, Dr. Johar was licenced to practice veterinary medicine in this country in 2003, and that same year he opened the doors of the Haney Animal Hospital.

“It was a good decision because I received a tremendous response from the people of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows,” says the doctor.

Our goal is to make everything we do for our patients as non-invasive and comfortable as possible Dr. Bhupinder Johar, Haney Animal Hospital owner Dr. Johar’s original intention was to run a mixed practice – farm animals and small animals – but it quickly became apparent that all of his time was going to be taken up working at the hospital, and so he became a small animal specialist.

Now celebrating his 10th anniversary at the Haney Animal Hospital, Dr. Johar is very pleased with the way things have turned out for him and his animal hospital.

“When I decided to specialize in small animals I set out to build a very modern practice that would provide the best

possible care for my animal patients.

Today we have a full veterinary hospital that can take care of almost every situation – from check-ups and vaccinations to full-scale surgeries.”

Dr. Johar is particularly pleased that Haney Animal Hospital is on the leading edge of animal medical technology, offering such services as: cold laser therapy for rehabilitation after orthopedic surgeries and for control of chronic pain for pets; laser surgery and ultrasound services that provide greater convenience to patients and pet owners alike; digital radiography to offer quicker and better images for accurate and timely diagnosis; and even TPLO surgery for ACL repair.

“Our goal is to make everything we do for our patients as non-invasive and comfortable as possible,” says Dr. Johar. “Not every animal clinic or hospital offers these modern technologies, but I’ve always believed Haney Animal Hospital should be a leader in the field and so I’ve made the necessary investments over the years.”

Naturally, the technology is only as good as the people who use it, which is why Dr. Johar has recruited exceptional talent over the years as his practice has grown. Today, he has two veterinarians working with him, as well as on-call specialists who handle particularly tricky surgeries and specialized diagnostic procedures. In addition, Dr. Johar is proud to say his front office staff and veterinary assistants are first class and very helpful.

“Our whole staff is dedicated to our patients and their owners. Our motto is, “We Believe in Quality Health Care for Your Best Friend” and we mean it.

I think the main reason people bring their best friends to see us is because they know we care. Yes, we have one of the best-equipped animal hospitals in the Lower Mainland, but I think it’s our team that makes the difference.

“Basically, everything we do is geared towards providing the ultimate care for

our patients, whether it’s dental care, nutritional and behaviour consulting, surgery, vaccinations, pet food from quality suppliers like Waltham, Purina, Eukanuba or VMD, or boarding services for people who are travelling.

“It’s also about convenience for pet owners, because we’re able to offer all of these services in one location.”

Pet ownership amongst the general public is on the increase, Dr. Johar says, noting that those who own an animal tend to have multiple pets as well.

“Pets are being recommended more and more for people as a means of relieving depression and loneliness,” says the doctor. “They provide excellent mental and physical health stimulation for humans, and provide a diversion for those who have nobody else to look after. It gives them something besides themselves to care about, which many studies have shown is very important for human well-being.”

Owning a pet, however, is not just about human needs. The emphasis has to be on the welfare of the animal.

Finding the right pet is important, and much of that has to do with the situation the pet owner finds him or herself in. Dr. Johar is adamant that the health and well-being of the pet is going to be highly dependent on the kind of home it is living in and the care it receives from its owner.

For instance, keeping a large, active dog confined in a small apartment really isn’t doing the animal any favours. The owner must have the time and energy to take that dog to the park frequently for exercise, or s(he) should find a more low-maintenance animal pet to own.

“It’s not fair to the pet to give it the wrong kind of home environment,” says Dr. Johar. “All the love in the world isn’t going to keep a pet mentally and physically healthy if it doesn’t get the proper medical care, nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation and so on. Choose your pet wisely, and it will give you years of joy and comfort. Choose poorly and you could be looking at years of vet bills and personal stress.”

Owning a pet is a major undertaking, but with the right kind of support it’s definitely do-able for pretty much any home, says Dr. Johar. Haney Animal Hospital provides the support Maple Ridge residents need for successful and long-term pet ownership.

Dr. Johar wants to thank the people of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows for putting their trust in his animal hospital for the past decade, and he looks forward to the next decade of caring for your pets.

“We promise to keep providing the ultimate in care for your beloved pet, and that all treatments will be as comfortable and painless as possible.

We love animals as much as you do, and we’ll be here to service the pets of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows for many, many years to come.”

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B47

Exceptional Veterinary Care at Affordable Prices • Open extended hours for your convenience.

• In house Digital Radiography.

• Spacious surgical area for surgery, anesthetic and patient monitoring equipment.

• In house pharmacy.

• All orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries done in hospital including TPLO, TTA etc.

• Laser surgery is offered routinely for elective and specialized procedures.

• New Laser therapy is being offered for chropnic pain management and rehabilitaion after orthopedic surgeries • Routine vaccination, dental and medical services offered daily.

• Heartworm tests available.

• Behavior and nutrition consultation.

• We carry all veterinarian recommended foods and pet supplies.

February is Pet Dental Month Bring your cat or dog in for dental cleaning & receive 10% off

Examinations .................... $2500 Cat Neuter from ................ $4000 Cat Spay from ................... $5000 Basic Cat Vaccine (FVRCPC) $2800 Dog Neuter from ............... $7000 Dog Spay from .................. $8500 Basic Dog Vaccine (DA2PP) $3200

Member of VIN

Visit us at www.haneyanimalhospital.com

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon-Sat 8am to 8pm, Sun 11 am to 7 pm

We Do House Calls!

Haney Animal Hospital Your Full Service Veterinary Clinic

#104 - 22645 Dewdney Trunk Rd 604•476•2525

B48 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five Tips For selling gold

by Dean Davey

1. Get a proper assessment; consult a jeweller you can trust.

This means someone who is experienced, but also someone with a good reputation.

2. Consider getting a cash payment for the value of the gold and gems. If you need the money right away, this is usually the best course of action.

3. Consider leaving the piece with us for a credit. If you’re planning to purchase something else anyway, or have something made, the credit will help reduce the overall price.

4. Consider getting some custom work done. The gold and gems you have will not only provide the materials for the new piece, but there’s often enough excess value to pay for the labour.

5. Consider consignment. If you don’t need the piece, but it’s too pretty or old to take apart and melt down, leave it with us for consignment. This way you’re likely to get more than the simple value of the metals and gems.

Teresa of Hammond Jewellers helps a customer find the perfect piece. Photos by Colleen Flanagan.

Trust Hammond Jewellers for precious memories and celebrations For the past 55 years, Hammond Jewellers has been the trusted friend of all Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows residents with something to celebrate. Whether it’s an engagement, anniversary, wedding, graduation, Christmas, a birthday, or another special occasion, Hammond Jewellers is the go-to store for beautiful jewellery, watches and giftware.

Started by a young Danish immigrant who believed a family-owned and operated store meant building a business people could trust for value and honesty, the hard work of Alf Killerich, his family and staff helped Hammond Jewellers develop a reputation over the years for those very qualities.

It was those same attributes in his successors that allowed Alf to sell his pride and joy to the Davey family four years ago. Their success in the jewellery business in Surrey was predicated on the same values that the long-time owner of Hammond Jewellers felt were so important to the success of the business, and the happiness of his clients.

The new manager, Dean Davey, notes his family is very proud to continue the tradition of being the jeweller Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows residents turn to for special occasions.

“The real value of jewellery isn’t in the precious metals and stones that make up the pieces, it’s in the sentiment that is embedded in each piece, and what it evokes in the person who wears it,” says Dean. “Each piece of jewellery has a story, and what we at Hammond Jewellers value is being a part of that story and celebrating those special occasions with our customers.

“That’s why it’s so important for people to have a jeweller they can trust

to take care of them, because they’re inviting us into their most precious memories and celebrations.”

Earning the trust of a customer is no easy feat, Dean acknowledges. It always takes time, but it helps to have a great reputation for superb products, exceptional knowledge and the best possible service.

“When we took over Hammond Jewellers, we felt it was very important to maintain the business that people knew and appreciated. To that end, we kept the same staff, including the goldsmith and watchmaker who have been fixtures here for years. We wanted people to feel confident that nothing was changing except the management, and because the management had the same values as the previous owners, it wasn’t that big a switch for anyone – staff and customers.”

One of the important things Dean and his family chose to maintain was Hammond Jewellers’ policy of “truly fair pricing.” As part of the Canadian Jewellers Group, the store participates in one of the largest buying groups in the country, which gives it the ability to purchase at terrific prices.

“We carry only high-quality product lines, whether it’s our jewellery, watches or giftware; and we offer that on pretty slim margins compared to

many other jewellery stores because we believe in volume business and the repeat business generated by ongoing relationships,” says Dean. “It always amazes me to see ‘sale’ prices advertised by our competitors that are still higher than our day-to-day pricing. Our workmanship for repairs, for instance, is as good as or better than our competitors, but we choose to make our service work affordable so that people don’t have to let their valuable jewellery languish in a jewellery box because it’s too expensive to have it fixed.”

Selection is never a problem at Hammond Jewellers, especially when it comes to watches.

“We have one of the largest selections of watches I’ve ever seen in a jewellery store,” says Dean. “We’re also the exclusive Maple Ridge provider of Pandora; we offer certified and laseretched Canadian diamonds; and we offer a large variety of everything we sell at various price points, so people have choices.”

When it comes to repair work, Hammond Jewellers should definitely be the go-to place for Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows residents. Having two highly experienced resident goldsmiths and a seasoned watchmaker is what makes Hammond Jewellers stand out from the competition.

“Having our goldsmiths and watchmaker on site is a great convenience for customers, especially those who need something repaired right away. It also saves the potential problems caused by having to ship precious jewellery and family heirlooms to Vancouver or somewhere for repair.

“We are leading the industry in repair work through the purchase of our brand-new Rosin laser welder, which allows us to repair heat-sensitive stones and other delicate jewellery.”

Only a handful of jewellers can boast of this useful piece of equipment, but the Davey’s felt it was a good investment to stay on the cutting edge of repair work.

Naturally, having one’s own goldsmith certainly helps when it comes to custom jewellery design. Hammond Jewellers is certainly known for its repair work, but not as many people realize they also do a lot of custom work, as well.

“People are constantly bringing us old gold and gems that they want fashioned into something new. We’re always pleased to help them get exactly what they want.”

Dean says it all comes back to being the jeweller people trust. “People have their trusted mechanic, banker, accountant, their family doctor, a family dentist, a family realtor – we’re the family jeweller, and it’s our great privilege and honour to be in that position for so many local families.

“When they purchase a piece, it becomes very valuable to them, and when they bring something in for repair, they’re often leaving something of great sentimental value, as well as intrinsic value behind, so they want to be certain that they can trust the people they’re leaving it with. Our goal is to ensure that that trust is earned and maintained year after year. If we can do that, we’ve done our job.”

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B49

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B50 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five Reasons to tRY Yoga

by Antje Hope

1. Try Yoga as an alternative treatment for a medical condition and you may be surprised it can heal a chronic condition. If you’re thinking about practicing yoga, be sure to talk to your health care providers. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

2. Practice safely and mindfully.

Everyone’s body is different, and yoga postures should be modified based on individual abilities.

Carefully selecting an instructor who is experienced and is attentive to your needs is an important step toward helping you practice yoga safely. Inform your instructor about any medical issues you have, and ask about the physical demands of yoga.

3. Yoga may be beneficial for a number of conditions, including pain. Recent studies in people with chronic lower-back pain suggest that a carefully adapted set of yoga poses can help reduce pain and improve function.

Other studies also suggest that practicing yoga (as well as other forms of regular exercise) might have other health benefits such as reducing heart rate and blood pressure, and may also help relieve anxiety and depression.

4. Learn to listen to your body. In any yoga class, your body, not the teacher, is the real guide to what is best for you. Listening to your body and honoring its signals is key to a safe practice. If something doesn’t feel right, ease out of the pose. If something feels like a strain, you’re pushing too hard.

If your body feels like it needs a break, relax back in child’s pose.

5. Do something for yourself and a friend - try a free class on us!

Students of Epic Yoga. Photos by Lanaya Flavelle Photography.

Yoga: an activity for everyone For most businesses, the goal is to increase your customer base. But at Epic Yoga Studios, owner Antje Hope said her aspirations are to simply spread the joy and benefits of the age-old practice.

“It’s not so much that I’m saying people have to come to Epic, because there are so many great places in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows to practice yoga,” notes Hope. “That’s not what Epic is about at all. I want them to be able to practice at home, or wherever they are comfortable. Yoga is about living in harmony with those around you. If we can help spread that message, all the better.”

She said since she first opened her doors in 2007, she’s noticed the local studios have started to work together more, referring customers to each other when schedule conflicts or programs don’t mesh. She said it’s all part of an effort to widen appeal to the benefits of yoga. The more people are exposed to the practice, the more clients tend to come through the doors looking for guidance. But more importantly to Hope it’s the willingness to accept yoga as a life-long practice.

Hope said there is a big misconception surrounding yoga in Western cultures, where the focus is sometimes misconstrued on perfecting the poses while conveying an unattainable view of body image. She said the practice of yoga encompasses the whole person, from physical body to emotional well-being.

“The one thing that we emphasize here is to be comfortable in your own skin, and that’s what I think our customers/students love,” she explains.

“Whether you are 75-years-old or here for a prenatal class, the important element is that you are content. People

need to come to yoga because they are doing it for themselves.”

She points out the physical element of yoga is just one of the eight extensions or limbs of the practice that comprise yoga. Hope said the others – the Yamas, the Niyamas, Pranyama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi all deal with the attitudes people exhibit towards others and oneself. This is accomplished through breathing for energy, mindfulness, mental concentration and meditation, she said.

Yoga is about living in harmony with those around you Antje Hope, Epic Yoga owner Hope said another issue with the practice is understanding what is out there.

“People should be able to try a studio for free for a session to make sure that the studio is what they are looking for at that present moment in their lives,” she said.

What might be right for someone battling an injury might not be the best approach for someone looking to improve their core strength and flexibility.

Hope said like any new activity, people need to understand there is a learning curve. But with yoga, the benefits outweigh any preconceived notion some might be carrying, she said. People need to see it as a preemptive approach to their health.

“The great thing is that it doesn’t matter what level you are at, there is a class for you.”

Epic features everything from beginner and advanced classes to meditation and family classes. In addition, Epic focuses on new moms with its pre- and post-natal classes.

For those with limited time, they also offer lunchtime drop-ins. Everything from kids, teen, and power yoga to TRX suspension training is also on the menu at Epic. Plus, she said our teachers and instructors are highly certified, some of whom bringing more than 25 years of experience.

She said for the more adventurous, belly dancing classes are offered with Kim Pechet on Monday evenings. Kim Pechet is the teacher, choreographer, writer and narrator of the popular TV show, SHIMMY. She has been teaching classes and conducting workshops throughout the Lower Mainland for almost 20 years.

“The goal here is to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves, having fun,” said Hope.

All yoga instructors at Epic are certified and continue to upgrade their education, all of which makes for a better experience, she said.

Hope said the studio is also set to launch its own points reward system.

The idea is to accumulate points by taking classes, workshops and through store purchases and then be able to redeem them for free classes or gift them to a friend.

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B51

Welcome to Your Studio

Downward Facing Dog Adho Mukha Savasana

Benefits Stretches hamstrings and back of legs Opens Shoulders and chest and elongates spine Contraindications Glaucoma High Blood Pressure Head injuries, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pregnancy (late term) Tips and Pointers It is OK not to have your heels touch the ground, push heels down to feel the elongation. Bend knees as needed, do not lock knees. Rotate both hands inward slightly to get the opening in the shoulders.

The Mechanics of the Pose Start on all fours with hands a few inches in front of your shoulders. Hands are shoulder width apart and knees hip width apart. Lift your knees off the ground pushing evenly on your palms. Sit bones point to the sky, thighs push back, straightening the legs (no not lock knees). Pull your bellybutton in. Push your chest towards your thighs. Look between your legs or towards your bellybutton. Hold for a few breaths. Slowly return to all fours

Easy Pose - Sukhasana

Over 33 + drop in classes in Yoga and TRX each week for beginner to advanced!!

Intro offer for New customers choose from $40 for 1 month unlimited drop in classes ( 31 days expiration date ) $40 for 6 sessions ( 90 Days Expiration date ) Private Yoga/TRX on Sale February 1st - 20th Save $10 on your private / Semi private Yoga session e-mail us for availability New Lunchtime class

Benefits Strengthens back Hip opener Can relieve stress Contraindications Knee injury Tips and Pointers When done regularly remember to alternate which leg is in front.

A great pose for meditation and breathing exercises.

Mecanics of this pose find a nice comfortable seat making sure your spine is long not rounded. Use a pillow under your buttocks for elevation if you have tight hips. You can sit against a wall if this helps. Take 10 deep breath into the belly feeling the breath flowing to the lower back and abdomen exhale slowly and fully feel belly falling. Breath through your nose if you can.

New classes and Workshops starting February : Kids Yoga ages 5-12 starts Friday Feb. 8th $60/6 sessions Belly Dancing with Kim Pechet Monday’s 8:15 PM Prenatal Yoga Saturdays 12-1 PM $15 drop in Foam Rolling starts February 22nd 12-12:45 PM $50/ 6 sessions Yoga Nidra - Yogic sleep Feb. 9th 1:30 - 3 PM “Live” Gong Meditation Feb 17th 6:30 - 7:30 PM $20 online or $25 at the door

!!! Family Yoga is back in February !!!

Bridge Pose - Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

Benefits Strengthens back, spine Stretches chest and spine Stimulates Thyroid gland, abdominal organs Improves digestion Reduces fatigue, anxiety, stress, headache and insomnia Contraindications Neck injury Tips and Pointers Keep your knees directly over your heels.

Modifications Easier: Use a block, place it under sacrum and let your sacrum rest on the block.

Advance: Try lifting one leg at a time to the ceiling.

Warrior 1 Virabhadrasana I Benefits Strengthens your legs, also opens up the chest and shoulders.

Tips, and Pointers For variations on this pose, you can raise your arms and grasp your elbows with opposite hands or extend your arms to the sides with your palms facing down.

Place your hands on your hip bones, so you can feel when they are squared forward.

The Mechanics of the Pose From Mountain Pose, jump or step your feet about 3-4 feet apart, bring the right foot forward, left foot back.

Pivot on the ball of the left foot, dropping the left heel to the floor and placing your toes out at about 45-60 degrees from your heel. Bend the right knee over the right ankle, forming a 90 degree angle. Square your hips to the front by pushing your right hip back and your left hip forward. Bring your arms up above your head, palms to touch or close to touch. Look up at your thumbs or keep your gaze straight forward. Slide your shoulder blades down your back.

Repeat on other side.

#301 - 22828 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge

778-888-EPIC (3742) www.epicyogastudio.com

B52 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five Tips To Choosing A ReAlToR

by Rainer Weininger

1. Whether buying or selling, work with an established branded franchise like RE/MAX LifeStyles to maximize your exposure to the market. Ask a realtor what their office’s market share is in the community, as it often reflects their office’s success.

2. Determine if they are full-time or part-time realtors. You may not wish to have an operation performed by a part-time surgeon.

3. Choose an office with local facilities and that has a full range of services available to you.

Remember, when you engage a realtor, you are engaging their entire office: staff, conveyancers, brokers, associates – including all their expertise and knowledge.

4. If you have received great service in the past from your existing realtor, then stay dedicated to them as they probably have your best interests at heart. If not, give us a call.

5. For many of us, buying or selling is the largest transaction of our lives. Work with a professional, motivated full-time realtor who knows their area and makes the experience an enjoyable one.

RE/MAX Lifestyles Realty realtors focuses on confidence and communication in today’s market.

Real estate group marches along in an uncertain market Buying or selling a house can be an emotional experience.

It usually involves someone leaving a place that holds many memories: children’s first steps, birthday parties and Christmases are all cherished moments,. So when it’s time to move on, it can be overwhelming.

This is especially true in today’s housing market, where buyers and sellers have yet to regain confidence in the industry.

And that’s what it really comes down to – confidence.

Rainer Weininger, owner and salesperson at RE/MAX LifeStyles Realty in Maple Ridge, believes that in order for the real estate market to pick up momentum, people need confidence in the market. Confidence will come once people realize that real estate is still a good investment option, he said.

“I think that people are finally getting comfortable with the market because of a certain number of factors that came into play in the past 24 months are starting to settle themselves out.”

Some of the factors Rainer mentions, the HST referendum, the U.S. presidential election and banking changes, have come to a conclusion, giving people enough confidence to buy a new home.

“Certainly we’ve seen some challenges and it has nothing to do so much with what’s going on in housing. It’s more to do with the media and the public concept of what the market is doing,” The fluctuation in the market is fairly normal, as real estate is a fluid industry that goes through many ups and downs, he said.

“I always kind of refer the market to fishing, in a sense. The condos are kind of like the herring of the marketplace. When the condos start to move, then the townhouses start to move,

and the houses start to move, and it becomes fluid.”

But this cycle doesn’t come out of thin air. It takes something or someone to spark the trend. Perhaps a young person buys their first condo, then the condo owners upgrade to a townhouse, and soon the townhouse owners are looking for a home to call their own.

“It’s the old circle of life concept, but you need something to instigate that movement,” Rainer said. “A lot of that has to do with confidence in the market.”

Confidence seems to be growing in Maple Ridge. The municipality has grown more than 10 per cent since 2006, and it shows.

With updated infrastructure, including two new bridges, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are more accessible than ever.

Over at the RE/MAX office, Rainer and his sales team have watched the area expand, making room for new residents.

“With Maple Ridge still being a bedroom community, to some degree, and our price point still being relatively attractive compared to the rest of the Lower Mainland, the migration out here is going to continue,” he said.

And that’s good, not only for RE/MAX, but also for potential homebuyers in the area.

Rainer, who has been a real estate agent for more than 15 years, works hard to ensure his clients have the best possible experience when buying or selling a home.

“You treat them like you’d want to be treated,” he said. “The big thing is to communicate and keep them informed.”

Whether they’re buying or selling, moving can be an emotional experience and the less surprises that come up, the better.

“You have to be respectful of their wants and needs and, to some degree, try and keep emotions out of the transaction, “In doing that, I hope we meet their expectations.”

Most buyers and sellers have similar requests when venturing into the real estate market. We get asked many of the same questions when meeting with clients for the first time and it’s up to us to explain the process so that buyers and sellers know what to expect.

“The typical questions that usually come up, ‘has the market bottomed out? Am I going to make money on this purchase down the road?’”

One of the challenges when it comes to real estate is making people understand that it’s a long-term investment.

While the market may have slowed down, that doesn’t mean it’s stopped completely. The industry will continue to move forward, it just might be a slower pace than people are used to.

“In the last 40 years real estate has always, on the average, moved forward. All you have to do is take a look at what the prices were a long time ago,” he said.

But it doesn’t even need to be that long ago to see how the prices of homes have increased in Maple Ridge.

According to the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver’s MLS Home Price Index, the average detached home in Maple Ridge cost $376,100 in December 2005. In December of 2012, that price had increased to $463,400.

“If you’re making a two per cent increase in the value of a property, even over a one-year time frame, and you have $100,000 invested on a $400,000 home, that home has gone up $8,000.”

Underneath all the financial worries and questions, most buyers and sellers are still just looking for a nice home for themselves and their families. As the population continues to grow in Maple Ridge, many prospective buyers are interested in what types of facilities there are in the area. Things like recreation centers, schools and parks are still at the top of most people’s lists when looking for a new home, Rainer said.

“Those are the typical kinds of questions that you’re going to get, but they’re the questions we probably would have had 15 years ago or 40 years ago,” he said.

Maple Ridge is on its way to becoming a main attraction for families in the Lower Mainland, especially now that it’s easier to access thanks to added infrastructure. And that’s the thing about real estate – despite the drama, it’s still a long-term investment for your money and your family.”

“People are worried that they’re going to make the move at a bad time, it’s just the way it has been the past few years. But reality is that it doesn’t really matter when you make the move,” he said. “Five or 10 years down the road, it’ll all work itself out.”

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B53

LifeStyles Realty REALTORS for the way you live ®

RE/MAX LifeStyles Realty is one of Western Canada’s most successful real estate companies, with offices in Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and Langley. Our clients benefit from our local expertise in residential, recreational and commercial real estate. Experience the difference!

22308 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge 604.466.2838 # 2 - 19126 Ford Road, Pitt Meadows 604.459.2838 # 120 - 20330 88th Avenue, Langley 604.513.2300

Call for your real estate needs!

EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

B54 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five Tips For neW shooTers

by Craig Jones

1. You will need different gear depending on what game you are hunting. Do some research. Inform yourself before you go shopping.

2. Have an idea of budget before you go.

3. Deal with experts. Service after a sale is critical. An expert will ask you the right questions and lead you through your experience from beginner to seasoned hunter or shooter.

4. You need to take a CORE (Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education) course to get a hunting license.

5. You need to take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course to obtain a PAL (Purchase and Acquisition License). Both courses are available through Wanstall’s.

Wanstall’s staff, [names left to right], Anthony, Craig, Dan, Craig, and Dean (Missing Gary) are proud to help customers find the perfect gun.

Wanstall’s sets sights on top-notch customer service The sport of target shooting for women is exploding in B.C. In fact, the sport seems to be outstripping golf as the top new outdoor activity women are taking up – and most of those fledgling shooters have walked through the doors of Wanstall’s Hunting and Shooting in the past couple of years, says co-owner Craig Jones.

“I can tell you the sport is huge with women because I stand behind the counter and serve them,” says Jones, noting that there are gun clubs and tactical competitions all over the Fraser Valley every weekend. “We’re stocking more guns designed for women, but we can’t keep them in.”

The gun he’s talking about is a Nighthawk Custom Ladyhawk 1911, and it’s not the only product that is increasing in popularity. Wanstall’s is the exclusive distributor of products like the Core-15 rifle and Boberg pistols used by these tactical sport shooters.

But it’s not just the fact that Wanstall’s has these products in stock that keeps new and experienced gun owners from around B.C. knocking on his small shop in downtown Maple Ridge, says Jones.

He partners with affiliate West Coast Instruction to provide Canadian Firearms Safety courses needed to get a firearm’s license, and Conservation

and Outdoor Recreation Education (CORE) offered are sold out a month in advance.

As well, Wanstall’s works with U.S. manufacturers to get proper permits and approvals to take the hassle out of the process for customers.

We sometimes ask more questions than our customers do Craig Jones, Wanstall’s co-owner He and his staff are also hunters and shooters and ask the right questions.

Jones is particularly proud of how his staff serves new hunters who often come back three or four times before

they finally purchase their gear. His team walks new gun owners through the process, from getting their hunting licenses and gun permits to head out on the land.

“We sometimes ask more questions than our customers do,” he jokes.

“Customer service is critical for us.”

It wasn’t so long ago that Jones was one of those customers. He bought the business along with partners Craig Watkin and Gary Godwin almost six years ago, when longtime owner Tony Wanstall stepped down. Business has skyrocketed since.

The demise of the long-gun registry has increased Wanstall’s used gun market this year and its on-line business is hot.

“We’re setting records every month,” he says. He now employs more than 10 people and is outgrowing the 40-yearold location on Lougheed Highway in downtown Maple Ridge.

“It’s busy, but it’s fun.”

And despite the hectic schedule, he hasn’t forgotten why he got into this business in the first place. He still managed to go hunting this season and can’t wait until next year when he can take his 10-year-old daughter out on the land.

“It’s a really great experience for families,” he says.

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B55

Wanstalls has been operating in Maple Ridge, British Columbia since 1973.

We stock a variety of Rifles, Shotguns and Handguns.

NEW FIREARMS

Nemesis Rifle

USED FIREARMS TACTICAL RIFLES

Thureon Defense Rifle

TACTICAL SHOTGUNS FIREARM ACCESSORIES AIR GUNS FIREARMS & C.O.R.E. COURSES LICENSES KNIVES

Remington Winchester Marlin • CZ Thompson Centre Savage • Mossberg Sig Sauer • Steyr Beretta • Kimber

Core - 15 Rifle (M4 Moe) Boberg XR9L Pistol

OPTICS Pro Series Revolver

Nighthawk Custom 1911

Wanstalls carries the Voodoo line of Tactical Accessories, including holsters, range bags and slings.

Visit us to see our large selection of firearms, safes, ammunition, optics, knives, clothing and accessories or check out our selection of products online. We also have products on consignment.

Call or come in and we will be happy to answer your hunting and shooting related questions.

Your Resource Centre for Hunting & Shooting 22338 Lougheed Highway, Maple Ridge, BC, Canada, V2X 2T4 Phone 604-467-9232 Fax 604-467-9254 • www.wanstallsonline Store Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 9:00am to 5:30pm

B56 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

marketplace Five Consumer Tips

by Rob Pridge

1. Set an honest budget based 50 per cent on your financial allowance and 50 per cent on your wants or needs.

2. Educate yourself about products offered in your area. Canada and the US have strict standards for your family’s health.

3. Check policies, requirements, payment schedules, contractual obligations, warranties and accurate apples-to-apples quotes of the suppliers you are considering.

4. Adding value to your home is a delicate balance: be wary of under or over spending.

5. If you want to be your own contractor you must take charge. If not, then hire a good contractor or project manager to do the job for you. Make it clear who is in charge.

Rob Pridge and Terry Einarson, owners of Heritage West Interiors Ltd. want to make your home gorgeous.

Local quality product wins when designing rooms built to last “The success of a new kitchen design often hinges on the quality of the products used.” That’s the mantra from the owners (Rob Pridge and Terry Einarson) of Maple Ridge’s Heritage West Interiors Ltd., who are adamant that the best way to find that quality is by working with local manufactures rather than poor quality imported materials.

“There’s no comparison in the quality,” Rob says. “People need to know they don’t have to buy lesser quality to get a good price.”

Rob has spent nearly 30 years perfecting his knowledge of the products and creativity that go into a superior kitchen and bathroom design. He’s spent years manufacturing cabinets and working with interior designers while he honed his craft on Vancouver Island and the Okanagan.

“I love it,” he says.

Rob decided to set down roots and raise his children in Maple Ridge eight years ago and opened the doors to the Heritage West showroom with his partner Terry Einarson two years ago. They now work directly with local clients after years of working with local designers.

“It’s worked out well,” he said of their decision to work directly with clients. “ It’s fun helping people make their dream homes happen.”

Rob uses the word local a lot. It’s important to him to be hands on and involved.

“We work with clients from start to

finish on each project and rely on our experience and not just a computer program to help clients design that ‘dream home’. “ They offer 3D, 20/20 design technology but Rob can also sketch out a plan in front of clients and can give them some hard-earned knowledge of what will and won’t work in their design.

After almost a decade in Maple Ridge, they’ve built up a list of reliable sub-contractors that they work with regularly. “Trades are an important key,” he says. “There are so many out there it can be overwhelming for people. We’ve worked to find reliable people we can work with and trust.”

They’ve heard an earful from local contractors about what is the best kind of material to use. Once again, Rob reiterates that BC has safety regulations that make local production of kitchens and bathrooms safer for both workers, consumers and our environment.

“There’s a massive difference,” he says. “It makes so much sense to deal with local manufacturers,” Pridge says.

“I won’t work any other way now.”

“Local manufacturers use better quality wood products with less toxic material and are just around the corner if I need to talk to them.”

He warns that poorly made products do not keep their value. People are often disappointed when it comes to resale since their kitchen begins deteriorating in the first year and prospective buyers look to replace the cheap kitchen reno.

“We price fairly and consistently and we don’t overcharge for quality,” he says.

They source their supplies from Surrey’s Merit Kitchens and Sunrise Kitchens (PNE Showhome supplier) and Nickels Cabinets in Richmond.

They note that there are a lot of other choices their customers have to make as the kitchen and bathroom renovation trend continues. Countertops are a big decision these days and reasonably priced quartz is becoming a good bet as people look for something other than the very popular granite kitchen tops.

Choices for sinks and faucets are almost as dizzying. Good pricing and good advice keep Heritage West Interiors growing along with the choices.

“Quality and word of mouth have made the difference,” Rob says. “We decided to reach for a local market and it’s been very good to us.”

To check out some of their work, visit www.heritagewestinteriors.com or walk into the showroom open 6 days a week at #1–22335 Lougheed Highway.

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B57

Cabinets • Granite • Quartz

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604.477.0767 Heritage West

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Order! see store for details Kitchen see store New Business Hours forCabinet details Monday-Friday 9:30 - 4:30 Saturday 11 -2012 4:30 Expires October 31st Order!

Evening appointments available. see store for details

Interiors Ltd. info@heritagewestinteriors.com

Expires October 31st 2012

Designing a house into a home 22335 Lougheed Hwy Maple Ridge www.heritagewestinteriors.com

604.477.0767

info@heritagewestinteriors.com 22335 Lougheed Hwy Maple Ridge www.heritagewestinteriors.com

Free Bathroom Vanity

B58 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five LAndsCAping Tips

by Oliver Mullen

1. Use fresh mulch to prevent frost, weeds, and small critters from damaging roots and bulbs.

2. Fresh garden blend consisting of a mix of soil, manure and sand will help grow a luscious vegetable garden.

3. Fix any drainage issues with clear crushed rock and drain rock.

4. Beautify your home’s landscape with local and natural river rocks and boulders.

5. Give your lawn a healthy kick start by aerating, spreading sand and new seed, followed by an application of fertilizer.

Albion Flats owners Oliver and Kelly, and their children Aidan and Keira, are here to help anyone with landscaping. Photos by Colleen Flanagan.

Couple shows rock solid commitment to Albion landscaping business Oliver Mullen and Kelly Ferguson, owners of Albion Flats Landscape Supply, both know how to dig deep.

Oliver and Kelly were both looking forward to welcoming their new child back in 2010 when Kelly was diagnosed with breast cancer in the mid stages of her pregnancy. Going through that experience made them both agree that returning back to the “rat race” life of commuting and working for someone else was just no longer an option.

It was at that time that Oliver and Kelly made their dream of having their own business a reality. They started Mullen Bros Landscaping & Snow Removal and provided service to many customers in the Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Tri Cities and surrounding areas. Just shy of a year later, the opportunity to lease land in the Albion area of East Maple Ridge and begin a landscape supply business arose.

They got to work setting up their second business venture, Albion Flats Landscape Supply located at 23549 Lougheed Highway, a site that has had a few different owners come and go over the years prior to their arrival.

With that in mind, Oliver and Kelly were determined to show their neighbors that their business is here for the long term.

They updated the signage, cleaned up the yard, and topped up the 32 bins with fresh, high quality, locally sourced soil, mulch, river rock, and other landscaping materials. And to this day, they haven’t looked back.

Seasonally, they employ almost a dozen people who are fully trained on the various products offered and how they are to be used. This allows their

customers to walk away with the right product for the job they are working on, saving them both time and money.

They partnered with the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation to celebrate their Grand Opening. As a small thank you for all the hospital has done for Kelly and her family, they donated a portion of their sales, and collected some very generous donations from their customers, and were proud to present the Foundation with a cheque for just over $550.

Over the past year, Oliver and Kelly have also partnered with the District of Maple Ridge in many areas. Albion Flats Landscape Supply volunteered and offered space at their yard to act as the 24-7 Emergency Sandbag Depot for Maple Ridge residents and business owners who face the threat of flooding.

They are also the exclusive supplier of mulch, soil and other landscape products to the Ridge Meadows Parks & Leisure Department to help complete various jobs and to keep the landscaping of the city looking fresh. More recently, Mullen Bros Landscaping & Snow removal has been awarded the bid of primary contractor for Property Cleanup and Disposal Services with the Bylaws Department.

Today, Albion Flats Landscape Supply continues to grow as word gets out to nearby homeowners, business owners, and landscapers that there is a reliable place in East and Central Maple Ridge to go pick up bulk landscaping products, or have product delivered to your door. Oliver and Kelly continue

to find ways to grow the business with hopes that more local landscapers and developers will start looking close to home for their landscaping needs.

Kelly and Oliver live and work in the Maple Ridge community. They have dug deep roots and plan to be here for the long haul. As the years go on, the hope is to grow the businesses and offer more products to suit more customers’ needs. With the economy as it is, they know many homeowners are doing their own yard work, and they want to share their knowledge and expertise with their neighbors to ensure they are getting the highest quality product at the best price.

Oliver’s long hours have shown their commitment to their business and community.

Kelly points proudly to her husband Oliver as the driving force behind their growing success. She notes that during the recent cold snap he slept at the office in between working all night at keeping more than a dozen local business clients’ properties free of snow and ice.

In the face of all that they have accomplished with a young family, beating a cancer diagnosis, and operating two companies, both Kelly and Oliver are characteristically upbeat and often reflect back on all that has led them to change the direction of their lives and allow them to take on the challenge of building a rock-solid future.

“We consider ourselves lucky each and every day,” Kelly says. “So many positives have come from something that could have been such a negative.

What is that saying, “when life throws you lemons…”

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B59

Landscape & Garden Supply

Everything You Need & More!

• Rock • Mulch • Sand • Fertilizer • Seed • Soil For other products & services call us or drop in.

www.albionlandscapesupply.com

23549 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge

604.477.1971

B60 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace FiVe TipS For BuyiNg a HeaTiNg or cooliNg SySTeM

by Ron McMyn

1. Choose the right contractor, someone with a proven record of service and reliability. Consider how long they’ve been in business, and make sure you choose a reliable company that can be there down the road.

2. Make sure your contractor carries all the parts for your heating or cooling solution. This will shorten delays if you need something replaced.

3. Make sure your contractor can answer calls and be there for your warranty issues.

4. Ensure that your contractor has licensed and bonded service technicians and quality installers.

5. Pick a contractor with a wide selection of heating or cooling products so they can give you the one that’s right for your home.

Ron, Marlow, Gary, Jeannie, and Rob, staff at Big Valley Heating and Sheet Metal are always eager to serve their customers.

Not only heating at Big Valley Heating and Sheet Metal Big Valley Heating And Sheet Metal Ltd.’s Ron McMyn has seen dramatic changes in his company over the last few decades, as it’s risen from a small operation to a large-scale business.

“I’ve owned the company since 1986,” McMyn said. “We’ve gone from two guys to 30 guys.”

McMyn said the key to the business’ success has been an emphasis on serving customers’ needs.

“It’s good customer service and good quality work,” he said. “It’s mostly just treating the customer fairly.”

McMyn said Big Valley has built its reputation by standing behind its products and quickly responding to customers’ concerns .

“It’s always being available, always being reachable,” he said. “If they have an issue, they come in, the service guys are there right away.”

While heating buildings is still a key component of the business, Big Valley also offers a wide selection of fireplaces, outdoor heating solutions and more.

“We don’t do just heat any more,” McMyn said. “We do custom fireplaces, backyard patios, barbecues, patio heaters, outdoor heaters.”

He said those patio and outdoor heaters have risen in popularity lately, as they provide a nice way to have an enjoyable winter experience outside without going anywhere.

“More people are staying around their homes more,” McMyn said.

McMyn said cooling products and air filtration products are also becoming more important parts of the business. He said Big Valley can offer

customized solutions that are perfect for those who need certain rooms kept cool, those who are bothered by allergies and others.

“We do air conditioning, there’s custom cooling we can do,” he said.

“We do air filtration, air purification, UV lights.”

McMyn said Big Valley’s size allows the business to maintain an extensive store so people can come in and see what’s available.

We do everything possible for the customer, if you’re not happy we take care of it Ron McMyn, Big Valley Heating and Sheet Metal co-owner “We have our own showroom where you can see all the products,” he said.

McMyn said their lines of Napoleon Heating And Cooling products have been particularly popular.

“They offer a good line of barbecues, a good line of fireplaces,” he said.

Big Valley maintains an on-premises sheet metal shop as well, which allows

it to tweak systems if required so each client gets the ideal solution for their home.

“We’ll custom-make it to fit your house,” McMyn said. “We’re easy and accommodating. No job is too big or too small.”

The heating business has changed significantly over the decades McMyn has been running Big Valley. He said one of the most notable differences is just how much furnaces have improved.

“We’ve gone from 40 per cent efficiency furnaces all the way to 98 per cent efficient,” he said. “They’re a lot better.”

McMyn said that’s a tremendous reason for those with older furnaces to upgrade, as the new ones’ efficiency can lead to dramatic energy savings. He said Big Valley can help with that.

“We do lots of retrofits, taking out those old, inefficient, gas-guzzling furnaces,” McMyn said. “It’s a huge savings, a lot cheaper.”

He said another key way to save energy is cleaning or replacing dirty filters.

“Dirty filters use a lot of energy,” McMyn said.

Big Valley’s open Monday through Saturday.

He said Big Valley’s proven track record makes it a reliable pick when looking for heating or cooling solutions, as it’s a company that’s in it for the long haul.

“We’re going to be here tomorrow, the next day and the day after.”

•

For more information, visit bigvalleyheating.ca

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B61

Enjoy the seasons in comfort.

For heating or cooling, we’ve got you covered.

Geothermal Heating

Furnaces • Hot Water Tanks • Gas Fireplaces • Heat Pumps • Air Conditioning • Geothermal Heating

11868 216 Street, Maple Ridge 604-467-6474 bigvalleyheating.ca Monday–Friday 8:00–4:30 Saturday 8:00–3:00 Custom Sheet Metal Shop Hours Monday–Friday 7:30–4:30 Showroom Hours Monday–Friday 8:00–4:30, Saturday 9:30–3:00

B62 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five Ways to avoid pitFalls and stress

by Alan Thompson

1. When it comes to personal injury or a motor vehicle accident, talking to a lawyer before you sign anything or make any decisions, is the most prudent decision you can make.

2. If you are charged with a criminal offence, don’t talk to anyone until you have talked to a lawyer. Remember: anything you say can and will be used against you.

3. Real estate is the single largest investment most people will make in their lifetime. To avoid unexpected problems, make sure you get good legal advice before you ‘sign on the dotted line.’

4. Putting property into “joint tenancy” or having joint bank accounts with your children without professional advice about the legal and tax implications to your estate plan as a whole is a dangerous trap for the unwary, especially because of recent changes in the law.

5. Operating a business involves issues of liability and tax. Should you work as a sole proprietor, partnership or incorporated company? To maximize your effectiveness you need professional advice.

With the staff of Vernon & Thomson and Findlay Gunnell Sandor sharing a workspace together, they’ve become the largest concentration of legal talent under one roof in Maple Ridge.

Partnership between law firms offers great possibilities “The largest concentration of legal talent in the community under one roof.” That’s how the principals from the law firms of Vernon & Thompson and Findlay Gunnell Sandor describe the new working relationship that has them occupying the same office space, even though the two firms remain separate.

It’s a bold move focused on the future, says Bart Findlay, who, with partners Robert Gunnell and Martha Sandor, entered into talks with the four lawyers of Vernon & Thompson some time ago to see if a working relationship could be forged.

The collective goal was to figure out ways for the two firms to reduce expenses while growing everyone’s practice.

“It’s certainly uncommon for two firms to share resources in this fashion, but it’s innovative and not unheard of,” says Findlay.

“Both firms have an eye to the future, but we wanted to ease into things for our respective clients’ comfort. It was important to preserve the goodwill each firm currently has with its clients and the community. In that respect, maintaining separate identities was important to both firms.”

“The idea, at this point, is to work cooperatively by sharing office and staff resources, and by utilizing the strengths of each lawyer to the benefit of the clients of both firms,” says Brian Marshall of Vernon & Thompson.

“We’ll be working very closely with each other, not only for our own mutual benefit as lawyers, but more importantly, for the good of our clients and the community,” adds Marshall.

“Being able to work collaboratively like this will be very beneficial for all of our clients, present and future. We’ll be able to service any legal issues they might have from our unified office, and we’ll be able to draw upon an expanded pool of expertise to better serve our respective clients.”

Alan Thompson, a veteran real estate solicitor, predicts the high level of legal talent and vast experience now housed in the newly renovated building on 119th Avenue in downtown Maple Ridge will prove of great benefit to the clients and community as a whole.

“Experience is the key to success in law, and we have decades of experience between us in this newly shared office,” he notes.

“That means our firm will be able to handle more varied cases in the future and we’ll be able to offer current and potential clients more options in terms of readily accessible legal services.

In addition, and for our respective clients’ convenience, we’ll have the ability to handle all their legal needs under one roof.”

The lawyers, and their areas of practice: Personal injury and motor vehicle accidents - Brian Marshall, Bart Findlay and Martha Sandor; Criminal - Robert Gunnell; Real estate - Alan Thompson;

Wills and estates - Laurence Anderson; Corporate and commercial - David Riddell; Each of the lawyers is well versed in his or her field.

“It’s a very exciting time for us,” says Laurence Anderson.

This is the beginning of a great relationship between the longest practising law firm in Maple Ridge (Vernon & Thompson), and a newer, but well-established firm (Findlay Gunnell Sandor).

“We are looking at this as an opportunity to provide fully integrated legal services to the growing communities of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, and beyond.”

Findlay says renovating the building was an important step in creating a new “vibe” for both firms.

Now, as welcoming as the new look of the building is to him, it’s the new “collective vibe” of the two firms that has impressed Marshall the most.

“Having combined expertise is beneficial to our clients. In addition, the newly renovated building is a pleasure to work in, for both lawyers and staff.

All of this bodes well for the future of Vernon & Thompson and Findlay Gunnell Sandor,” says Marshall.

His sentiments are echoed by Anderson.

“I think the ability for each of us to practice law in this community has been greatly enhanced by the new working relationship,” he says. “In going forward, I firmly believe this new association will result in very positive outcomes for our respective firms and for the clients of those firms.”

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B63

VERNON & THOMPSON LAW GROUP

FINDLAY GUNNELL SANDOR LAWYERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS

REAL ESTATE

• Conveyancing • Property Purchase and Sale • Land rezoning and subdivision • Strata Development Alan C. Thompson

PERSONAL INJURY ICBC

We take care of all your Real Estate needs!

• Car Accidents • Pedestrian Accidents • Home & Hospital Visits • Percentage Fees Available • Over 20 years experience • Free Initial Consultation

thompson@vernon-thompson.com

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT?

WE FIGHT TO GET THE BEST RESULTS FOR YOU

BART R. FINDLAY

COME & TALK TO US. WE CAN HELP EASE THE PAIN.

CRIMINAL DEFENCE

When you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, or a slip and fall, you need fast, friendly and expert advice.

Brian R. Marshall

Over 35 years experience. We treat people with integrity and respect. We get results. Call us.

marshall@vernon-thompson.com

• Wills and Trusts • Estate Planning • Probating of Estates

Laurence Anderson

BART R. FINDLAY

ROBERT J. GUNNELL

lwacorp@vernon-thompson.com

Corporate, Commercial & General Business • Incorporations • Buying/Selling a business • Corporate Reorganizations

• Annual Maintenance • Proprietorships/ Partnerships • Commercial Leasing

Our staff will work to ensure you are ‘never a small fish in a big pond.’ riddell@vernon-thompson.com

604-463-6281

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

ICBC PERSONAL INJURY Personal Injury ICBC

We prepare “PLAIN ENGLISH” wills that are easy to understand.

ROBERT GUNNELL

David Riddell

• Impaired Driving • Driving Offences • Theft & Fraud • Assaults • Drug Offences • Over 22 years experience • Free Initial Consultation

• Car Accidents • Motorcycle Accidents • Slip and Fall • Fatal Accidents • Claims Against Estates • Free Initial Consultation • Over 22 years experience

Have you been injured in a car accident?

Free initial consultation Friendly, fast and helpful advice MARTHA A. SANDOR PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS

MARTHA A. SANDOR

FINDLAY GUNNELL SANDOR FINDLAY GUNNELL SANDOR L AW Y E R S

BART FINDLAY • ROBERT GUNNELL • MARTHA SANDOR • RHONDA QUINTON

604-463-6009

22345 - 119th Avenue, Maple Ridge • 604-463-6009 Fax: 604-463:6889

EXPERIENCE & RESULTS 22311 - 119th Avenue, Maple Ridge

B64 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five wAys The gAllery shop enhAnCes your ArTs experienCe

by Barb Duncan

1. It carries only limited run, unique, handmade objets d’art, whether they’re purely decorative or functional, too.

2. It supports artisans in our community and from around B.C. Gallery Shop personnel scout out exceptional talent to ensure quality is always high.

3. Proceeds from your purchases contribute to the ongoing operations of the gallery, which is an important cultural hub in our community.

4. It’s a good place for the community to engage with the gallery, and provides superb volunteer opportunities.

5. It stimulates a visitor’s senses when they come in contact with such a variety of artwork, which improves the overall Art Gallery experience.

Inside the Gallery Shop at The Arts Centre & Theatre, Maple Ridge. Photos by Raeanne Schachter.

At The ACT, binding the arts community The arts bind a community together in a joyous celebration of creativity and passion for beauty.

In Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, the hub of the arts world is The Arts Centre & Theatre. One of the key components of the ACT is the Maple Ridge Art Gallery, as well as the Gallery Shop.

Since 2005, when the art gallery opened, the shop has offered unique purchasing opportunities while providing a modest, but valued revenue stream for the art gallery. The money helps fund gallery displays.

The Gallery Shop’s mission statement is to “showcase and promote the work of select local artisans while providing opportunities for visitors and local people to purchase distinctive hand-crafted items.”

To this end, the Gallery Shop invites creative and skilled artisans to provide a wide range of items for sale – from pottery and paper crafts to fabric art and paintings, as well as jewellery, stonework, metalwork and mixed media. The displays are always changing to keep the selection fresh and exciting for shoppers.

“I think it’s important that we show support for local artists in our community, and the artists appreciate the opportunity to be able to showcase their work in such a beautiful setting,” says Dorothy Johnson, lead gallery volunteer. “We also often have patrons who wish to purchase original art by local artists, or greeting cards featuring local scenes.”

More than 5,000 people visit the Gallery Shop each year. Each item in the shop is hand crafted by the artisan, whose name is appended to it, and each piece is a genuine work of art.

Many items in the Gallery Shop are made by Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows artisans, says gallery curator

Barb Duncan, but everything is definitely made in British Columbia.

“We have amazing talent in our own community, and in British Columbia, and we believe it’s important to showcase that talent in the shop so everyone can experience it,” says Barb.

Right now, some of the special pieces being carried at the Gallery Shop include handwoven items and basketry created by members of the Whonnock Weavers.

“We have an amazingly accomplished group of weavers in our community, and we are proud to be able to show their work in our shop on an ongoing basis. Items selected for our shop reflect the high standards this groups is known for,” says Barb.

Also in shop right now are Raingoose linens. “We are delighted to be able to source locally a great selection of 100 per cent linen, hand-printed tea towels,” Barb adds. “The ‘made in Canada’ tag is attractive to visitors, as well as members of our local community wishing to find a truly Canadian gift for friends or relatives living abroad.”

For those seeking truly special jewellery, the whimsical Domino necklaces created by Barbara Wightman have ongoing appeal amongst shop customers, and artisan Nancy Dawson has an enthusiastic following for her First Nations-themed Silver Eagles jewellery.

In addition, candle buffs will be keen to know that the Gallery Shop is the exclusive retail outlet for the fabulous von Hardenberg beeswax candles.

Every time Betty von Hardenberg shows up with a fresh supply, the whole shop fills with the honeyed scent of beeswax, creating a lovely ambiance.

The Gallery Shop isn’t large, but it

packs a lot of beauty and creativity into its small space, and the people who visit are always impressed.

“Whenever I bring my South Surrey sister in to the Gallery Shop, she takes the opportunity to buy presents for her friends and family,” says long-time supporter Gaby Morrison. “She loves the unique jewelry and quirky, unusual items on offer.”

One of the most inspiring aspects of the Gallery Shop is the fact that all shop attendants are Art Gallery volunteers.

Their love of the arts and the gallery leads them to offer hundreds of hours of volunteer time to the community each year. Without their stellar service, the Gallery Shop and the art gallery would be hard-pressed to provide the same great experience.

“We very much appreciate the efforts our volunteers put in,” Barb Duncan enthuses. “Without them it would be very difficult to offer such a quality venue and shop. Our volunteers are a real credit to our community.”

Keeping the arts alive and well in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows is what Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Arts Council does, via programming, events, performances and exhibitions at The ACT, Maple Ridge Art Gallery and Gallery Shop. The shop is a key component of the mix because it provides a muchneeded venue for local artisans to expose their work to the general public.

It also gives local residents a chance to support the local arts scene by letting them purchase these works. The symbiotic relationship feeds the growth of the arts, which feeds the souls of the people and creates a more livable, exciting community in general.

Regular visitors, as well as those who haven’t experienced the Gallery Shop before, plus those who haven’t visited in a while, are invited to stop

by Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and often during evening performances. The shop is located just inside the front entrance of The ACT Arts Centre & Theatre at 11944 Haney Place.

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B65

The Studio | Bouge de là

Swan Lake | Ballet Jorgen Canada

Four curious dancers bring paintings to life as they play with everything from fabric and frames to paintings and scarves. Dynamic motion captured, transformed, and projected to a large screen, creates a sense of wonder and ignites the fires of inspiration.

The world’s most renowned classical ballet, Swan Lake is the story of true love, the union of two souls and the ultimate sacrifice to be set free.

Ballet Jörgen Canada celebrates their 25th Anniversary with one of the largest ballet productions currently gracing Canadian stages!

••

“The kids clearly enjoy the antics of the performers, who move themselves and objects under the overhead camera’s lens, creating constantly altering visuals, lit by Lucie Bazzo.”

“Classical dance with an edge.”

THE GLOBE AND MAIL

JON KAPLAN, TORONTO NOW

Saturday March 2, 2013 2pm | Main Theatre

Sunday February 17, 2013 7:30pm | Main Theatre

TICKETS: Single $13 Family 4-pack $45 suggested ages: 5+

TICKETS: Adults $38.50 Seniors $35.50 Students $15

The Studio | Bouge de là Four curious dancers bring paintings to life as they play with everything from fabric and frames to paintings and scarves. Dynamic motion captured, transformed, and projected to a large screen, creates a sense of wonder and ignites the fires of inspiration.

Maple Ridge Art Gallery Gift Shop

“The kids clearly enjoy the antics of the performers, who move themselves and objects under the overhead camera’s lens, creating constantly altering visuals, lit by Lucie Bazzo.”

Des Wilson

Marie jonSlessor kaplan, toronto now

Pat Schendel Saturday March 2, 2013 Photo Credit Raeanne Schachter 2pm | Main Theatre

Visit the Gallery Shop at any time of year and you’re bound to find something unique, alluring and always handmade. Come out to see the impressive selection of ceramics, weaving, linens, wood turning, jewellery, beeswax candles and greeting cards that are availabletickets: on a year-round basis. Our friendly volunteers are always ready to help you with your purchases. When you make purchases at the Gallery Shop, you are supporting Single $13 both artisans and the Maple Ridge Art Gallery as we work to build an awareness of the fine craft in our region.

SHOP HOURS: Tuesday–Saturday, 11am–4pm

Family 4-pack $45 suggested ages: 5+ The shop is often open to coincide with theatre and lobby events at The ACT. For additional information or to join our mailing list please email mrag@mract.org or call 604.476.4241.

www.theactmapleridge.org

11944 Haney Place Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6G1 tel 604.476.2787

media sponsor

B66 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five Tips For purcHasing a new HoMe

by David Webster

1. Affordability: The Edge on Edge offers amazing prices with new homes starting from $149,900 and 42 homes priced under $199,900.

2. Timing: Timing could not be better interest rates are their lowest in history and you can own your own home with a mortgage payment of $675 per month.

3. Location: Great location in downtown Maple Ridge within walking distance to shopping, entertainment and West Coast Express.

4. Solid builder: MacLean Homes have been crafting fine homes in BC for 30 years.

5. Warranty: MacLean offers the finest warranty in the housing industry and provides prompt, courteous warranty service.

A digital rendering of what the Edge on Edge will look like once construction is complete.

MacLean Homes, giving people what they want When the Golden Ears Bridge opened in 2009 it opened the area of Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge to prospective residents looking for an affordable and livable place to call home. The area, which has historically been a farming community, began to grow at a steady rate, a rate that continues today.

But with all these new residents comes a need for new housing developments.

According to Statistics Canada, in 2011 there were 28,045 units in the Maple Ridge area. The municipality expects this number to grow about 3 per cent each year, reaching almost 38,000 units by 2016.

MacLean Homes, a development, management and construction company, has been building homes for more than 30 years. They recognized the need for new housing developments and decided they were the developer Maple Ridge needed to fill this gap.

With two developments already finished in Maple Ridge and another scheduled for completion this spring, MacLean Homes has established itself within the community, as a developer who understands what residents want out of a home.

“We organize focus groups to find out what residents in the area are looking for in a new home,” said David Webster of MacLean Homes.

Not only do these focus groups help the developer understand what potential residents’ want out of a new home, it also helps them understand what they’re looking for in a neighbourhood. This was especially important for MacLean Homes’ second development in Maple Ridge. As a retirement community, Sunwood is available to renters as well as owners.

“It provides an independent living space for seniors while offering them opportunities to get out and be social,” Webster said. “Sunwood was designed around that concept.”

Sunwood is a fun place to live,

Webster said. Residents can enjoy meals with each other on the outdoor patio, participate in different activities or play a game of pool in the billiards room.

Since it opened, response from new Sunwood residents has been positive.

“They love it,” Webster said.

“They’re very happy with how it has all come together.”

But MacLean Homes doesn’t only do retirement communities; their first development in Maple Ridge was Maxx.

This 58-condo building offered buyers a choice between studio condos and one and two bedroom ones.

The Maxx development sold out all homes within two weeks of becoming available, which, according to MacLean Homes, is an astonishing result in a new city real estate industry.

Following along this success, MacLean Homes’ newest development, Edge on Edge, brings with it components of the Maxx development, only this time it’s going to be in the heart of downtown Maple Ridge.

The new development is close to entertainment, shopping and transit, making Edge on Edge a convenient place to live, Webster said.

Homes range from studios and one and two bedroom to one bedroom lofts. The split-level lofts have been very popular with the first time buyers, Webster said. People are looking for contemporary designs and these split-levels are exactly that, with the living areas downstairs and an open, loft bedroom above.

All homes in Edge on Edge come fully equipped with granite counter tops, multi-functional dishwashers, as well industry leaders LG kitchen appliances.

Pre-registration has gone extremely successful for the Edge on Edge.

MacLean Homes continues to receive pre-orders often and consistently.

And MacLean Homes expects to sell the majority of its homes during pre-orders and sell out completely within the first month.

“Compared to other areas of the lower mainland, Edge is very affordable, you can buy a one bedroom and den unit for $189,900,” he said.

Interest rates are below 3 per cent, which mean low prices and low mortgage payments, making the option to buy even more appealing for those buyers currently paying high rent for homes they don’t even own. This is part of the appeal with developments such as MacLean Homes’ Edge on Edge.

It offers young buyers the chance to own their own home for the same price they’d be paying in rent each month.

“The first time home buyers we’re seeing today are educated,” Webster said. “They’re in tune with what they want in a home and what they can afford.”

And with interest rates at an all time low, now is the time to purchase your new home.

Sales for Edge on Edge open in February, but interested buyers can pre-register online before MacLean Homes opens its sales centre next month.

With three developments already under their belt, Webster said MacLean Homes is looking for more land to continue building in Maple Ridge.

The area will continue to grow exponentially over time, especially with the new Pitt River Bridge and Golden Ears Bridge, he said. More access and overall affordability, means more young families will make the move to Maple Ridge.

Which is exactly what MacLean Homes to provide for with their new Edge on Edge condo building. It’ll be a new home for the new residents of this ever-growing city.

www.mapleridgenews.com - THE NEWS -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- B67

B68 -- Wednesday, January 30, 2013 -- THE NEWS - www.mapleridgenews.com

Community

Marketplace Five stePs to the right Fit

by Peter Morcom

1. Meet a fitting expert – our fitting experts have been universitytrained, believe in healthy active lifestyles, and have gone through our intensive fit training programs.

2. Tell us about you – we need to know all about your active lifestyle – what you do, where you do it, how often you do it.

3. We tell you about your feet – our trained professionals will assess your feet and legs. We will measure the length, width,and functional mechanics of your arch to determine your foot type, biomechanics, and much more.

4. Together, we select the right shoe – time to try the shoes and test them in the store.

5. Your fit guarantee – Kintec guarantees the best possible fit for you. If for whatever reason you are not satisfied with the fit of your shoes, return them and we’ll replace them for free.

Peter, [name], and [name] of Kintec Maple Ridge are happy to help people from all walks of life. Photos by Colleen Flanagan.

Putting your best foot forward With a new year comes new resolutions. Quite often that means people are looking to improve their health. And more often than not, jogging is one of the most popular routes taken.

B u t a s K i n t e c M a p l e R i d g e ’s Manager and Certified Pedorthist Peter Morcom points out, setting out with the wrong equipment can lead to injury. And from there, the goal of improving your health often gets derailed.

Morcom and his staff of five strive to ensure every customer leaves the store knowing he or she has all the information needed to make an educated decision.

“One of the main reasons why we work here is because we want to see the differences we can make in people’s lives,” said Morcom. “It’s not just athletes who come here. We have people from all walks of life who can use our help.”

He said many of their customers are people who have a condition that keeps them from even going for a simple walk. Regardless of the situation, Morcom says the goal is to get them “back on their feet” so they can enjoy their lives. Kintec also carries a wide selection of performance running and comfort casual shoes.

There are a number of stores to choose from in the region if you’re looking for a running shoe, but at Kintec, it’s ensuring you get the right fit to match your goals

Are you new to running? What kind of surface will you be running on?

Are you going to run competitively?

Just looking for a comfortable pair of shoes for work? Do you have any previous injuries?

Morcom and his staff gather such basic information before deciding which shoe is best.

As well, Kintec offers customers a free bio-mechanical video gait analysis to match your feet with the right brand and model.

“A lot of people ask us what is the best shoe,” he said. “The answer is, there is no best brand. It totally depends on your own history and body.”

That’s what Morcom and his staff want to emphasize to the customer.

What may have worked for a friend may not work for you. That’s why no one just walks in off the street and buys the first pair of shoes they see. It’s not about the marketing, it’s about the needs, stresses Morcom.

Kintec’s bio-mechanical analysis allows customers the chance to walk or run on a treadmill while being video recorded, in order to get a clearer understand of the customer’s needs.

Morcom says the video helps people visually understand what’s going on when the rubber hits the road.

Browse our selection or shop online at shop.kintec.net

“Every shoe maker designs their footwear to feel great in those first 10 steps,” he laughs. “It’s how they feel once the hard work begins. That’s what we care about.”

That’s why Kintec also offers customers a 30-day comfort guarantee.

He said the key to Kintec’s business is ensure great customer satisfaction.

A happy customer is more likely to come back, and just as importantly, spread the word.

Kintec also specializes in custom orthotics and bracing, employing a Canadian Certified Pedorthist, one of the few health care professionals trained in the assessment of lower limb anatomy and biomechanics.

Morcom says the approach with orthotics is the same as when it comes to someone looking for a shoe.

“What are their needs and what are their goals,” notes the Maple Ridge store manager.

He says anyone looking for custom orthotics must have a referral from a doctor before they can be treated, in order for it to satisfy their extended medical plans’ requirements. And while they may have a doctor’s referral, that doesn’t mean they will automatically go in that direction. Morcom says there are alternatives that sometimes work better and cheaper.

“We’re here to work with the customer. Once we understand what works best, then we can go forward.”