6592-176th Street, Surrey
604 576 3189 ◆
Surrey
YYour our Wee Weekly e k l y CClover l o ver Valley Newspaper
◆
◆
Richmond
◆
V ictoria
◆
Edmonton
m y t i l e t o w n.c a
June 19, 2014 Y www.CloverdaleReporter.com Y 604-575-2405
Clova’s goodbye may be cut short Cloverdale theatre’s fade to black quickens By Jennifer Lang “We want to leave you with happy memories There are Cloverdale couples whose first of the final days of the Clova but we can’t do date was at the Clova Cinema, some maybe that if you aren’t here.” Patrons are also invited to take part in spesharing a first kiss in its seats. cial events such as the recent concerts starring Those who have a special place in their hearts for the beloved single-screen theatre Beatles tribute band, The Fab Fourever. There’s are now being urged to come and say goodbye even talk of hosting an ABBA tribute act soon. Along with offering an affordable night’s sooner than later to avoid disappointment. The iconic theatre’s building was bought out entertainment for families by keeping ticket prices low (and giving discounts this year by a local church that has to those bringing their own drink different plans for it. Despite the outpouring of emo- “The support has cups and popcorn bowls), the Clova is rented out to non-profits for chartion from patrons in March when not been there for ity screenings and local fundraisers they learned the Clova would shut permanently later this summer, at- the past month – an important source of financial support that will leave a noticeable tendance has dropped dramatically. and a half.” absence. “It’s been dismal,” operator Craig The Clova has helped schools, Burghardt told The Reporter. “The support has not been there for the - Craig Burghardt charities and groups raise an estimated $100,000 or more over the past month and a half.” past 18 years through fundraising, Burghardt and his staff have watched crowds dwindle in recent weeks, leaving the theatre to donations and sponsorship, Burghardt said. It’s rented out for kids’ birthday parties, too. “teeter on going bankrupt before we close.” A digital projector would have ushered in a He’s now cautioning fans not to wait for an new era for the Clova, which opened in 1947, official “final” screening, but rather patronize entertaining successive generations of movie the family-run theatre now. “Don’t be sad that we are closing, enjoy us fans. But Burghardt wasn’t able to secure a longwhile we are still here,” said Burhardt, who has been operating the Clova along with a tight- term lease with the building’s previous owner, ly knit crew known as the “Clovamily” since See SAVE / Page 3 1996.
BLACK PRESS FILE PHOTO
Craig Burghardt has been operating the Clova Cinema since 1996. He says the Cloverdale theatre may shut its doors forever sooner than expected.
Giving life, in death, five years later Five years after his fatal beating in Cloverdale, a blood donor clinic is being held in honour of Matthew Skura
Matt Skura
See e why y
By Sheila Reynolds On the night he was killed in a Cloverdale church parking lot, Matthew Skura had stepped in to help a friend who had been punched in a fight. And now, five years after the 21-year-old’s death, his mom is hoping a blood donor clinic organized in his honour will allow her son to once again give back to others. It was May 28, 2009 when Skura was hanging out
we are smiling!
with his friends. They’d been drinking and had a run-in with a group of teens who were also inebriated. Words were exchanged and then punches. One of the teens charged at Skura’s longtime friend, knocking him out. When Skura pulled the attacker away, he was hit with a sucker-punch blow, sending him to the ground. Once there, another teen delivered what would prove to be a fatal kick to Skura’s head.
MacMILLAN “Your Cloverdale TUCKER & MACKAY Law Firm”
Our goal is to provide you with top quality service in a comfortable, friendly environment.
BETHSHAN GARDENS FEELS LIKE HOME RETIREMENT RESIDENCE
778-373-0299
17528 59TH AVENUE | SURREY | 778-373-0299 | BETHSHANGARDENS.ORG Owned by Cloverdale Seniors Citizen Housing Society
LOCATED in the heart of Cloverdale 5690 - 176A Street, Surrey
ICBC CLAIMS & GENERAL PRACTICE
604-574-7431 www.mactuc.com
He died in hospital on May 29, 2009. In late 2010, two teens were found guilty of manslaughter in connection with his death. Though it’s been five years, Skura’s mom Cheryl Vinall still finds that May is the toughest month as grief that she manages all year swells and becomes unbearable as the month goes on. See ALL-DAY CLINIC / Page 3
(604) 372-3077
TM
FREE 1/2 hour introductory treatment. www.hairfreeforlife.com guaranteed.