GRAEME BOWBRICK’S NEW LIFE, CAREER
page
3
HOW TO KEEP THOSE RESOLUTIONS
page
6
RANGE ROVERS NOW IMPRESS
page
10
FRIDAY
JANUARY 3 2014 www.newwestnewsleader.com
Keynan Parker’s football career has come full circle,and in surprising ways. See Page A11
There were two serious, separate accidents on McBride Boulevard near the Pattullo Bridge last Sunday. See STORY on Page A2 SHANE MACKICHAN CONTRIBUTED
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Helen Sparkes enjoying life after ‘silly hall’ In today’s paper, the NewsLeader catches up with a few familiar—and perhaps to some, unfamiliar—faces to find out “Where are they now?” The first is Helen Sparkes, who served two terms as New Westminster’s mayor, then was defeated in a squeaker of a vote in 2002 by Wayne Wright. Wanda Chow
wchow@newwestnewsleader.com
Helen Sparkes may be slowing down after her long career in politics—but only just. The retired high school physical
education teacher spent eight years as a Mayor Wayne Wright. New Westminster city councillor before But she certainly hasn’t stood still. running unsuccessfully with She’s served on the BC Liberals for New numerous boards since Westminster MLA and then, including those for then being elected mayor the Massey Theatre, the Helen Sparkes I enjoyed it while I was for the first of two terms, Kiwanis Care Centre, the both in 1996. She faced no there. But once I left, Fraser River Discovery I realized the sacrifices challengers heading into Centre and Port Metro my family made... her second term, so won by Vancouver. Since 2005, acclamation. she’s been a board For years she was the face of the Royal director of the Royal Columbian Hospital City but quickly faded into the background Foundation and has one year left to go. after losing the 2002 election to current But after all those years in the political
PIXEL LASER SKIN RESURFACING
CHOICEquotes
milieu, does she miss it? “No, not at all,” she said without missing a beat, adding she does, however, miss the people she worked with at city hall. “It was wonderful. I enjoyed it while I was there,” she said. “But once I left, I realized the sacrifices my family made, especially when I was mayor. You get so involved with the community and what’s going on and you live it 24/7.” Sparkes, 73, has seven grandchildren, ranging in age from two to 25.
ONLY $299
For Sun Damage, Wrinkles & Acne Scars MEDICAL & LASER CLINIC
140-1005 Columbia St
604 553 4667
www.royalcityphysio.ca | 604-553-1203
101-450 E. Columbia St, New West | contact@royalcityphysio.com Give the gift of HEALTH this New Year. Gift certificates available.
Please see SPARKES, A5
1
PLAC3E 201