Special Features - Community Marketplace 2020

Businesses in our community, sharing their expertise, products & services.

B2 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 FLOORING COMPANY

Commitment to quality products and workmanship 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 sales 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 Yuntao (YT) Wang, 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 flooring products at guaranteed lowest prices.

They also carry transitions, baseboard, casing and crown moulding. “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.

“We don’t believe in fake sales that end on Saturday only to begin again on Monday under a different name with the same prices. Consumers tell us all the time that they appreciate the fact that all of our products have easy

Visit the Laminate Warehouse Showroom

to read price tags” says Saunders.

With guaranteed lowest prices and detailed written quotes it is easy for consumers to compare one store to another, rather than being fooled by huge discounts from fake marked up prices. “Be cautious when dealing with any company that does not provide a full breakdown of the products or services they offer. We encourage customers to shop around and be sure to compare apples to apples” adds Saunders.

With over 200 different types of laminate flooring to choose from Laminate Warehouse is sure to have the right product to fit any budget and the right colour to satisfy even the most discerning consumer. They carry top quality factory direct products from all around the world including Canada, Germany and the USA. “How a product

5 CONSUMER TIPS 1 2 Not all products are created equal and shopping by colour and price, will usually prove to be a mistake in the long run. Every colour will look different under different light sources, so the same floor will look different in the living room than in the hallway.

by Shayne Saunders and Yuntao (YT) Wang

is made is more important than where it is made and we take an educated approach to selling all the products we carry” claims Saunders. The flooring experts at Laminate Warehouse are happy to show consumers the different types of products that are available so they can make an informed decision without any high pressure sales tactics that are commonplace in many retail stores.

Waterproof flooring has gained popularity over the last few years and Laminate Warehouse has a great selection of vinyl planks and tiles to choose from. Vinyl products are 100% waterproof and come with many different installation options from; click together, loose lay, perimeter glue, and fully glued.

Vinyl may not be quite as durable as laminate for overall wear and

It is important to understand the different characteristics and limitations of the products you purchase.

Although laminate flooring is generically referred to as ‘click together’ floors, there are hundreds of different types of locking systems and they vary greatly in quality.

3

tear but it will provide consumers peace of mind in areas that absolutely require a waterproof option. “Vinyl products should be researched carefully as many of the cheaper products create installation issues beyond the scope of the D-I-Y customer” says Saunders. In 2019, many manufacturers will be introducing waterproof laminates which will offer the durability of laminate and the moisture resistance of vinyl.

One of the latest innovations for flooring is SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) planks and tiles. SPC is manufactured with a décor layer mounted on top of a limestone core. The SPC products are 100% waterproof and they offer more dimensional stability than cheaper vinyl products. Some manufacturers will even warranty their SPC prod-

You should maintain a stable environment in your home to help eliminate buckling and gapping issues with your new floors. The humidity in your home should be in the range of 40% - 60%.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

4

ucts for larger areas up to 4000 sq ft and claim they are suitable for installation in areas with extreme environmental changes in heat and humidity because of the stability of the limestone core.

Not only does Laminate Warehouse carry top quality products that are easy to install for the doit-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 onsite consultations. They will even lend you the tools to get the job done right.

Laminate Warehouse currently has locations in Maple Ridge, Langley and Chilliwack and more expansion is in the works.

With a solid reputation for treating customers right, it is no surprise that they continue to grow.

“We are currently looking for the right individuals to open stores in other areas and we look forward to helping them build their own successful businesses” says Saunders.

Visit a showroom near you, and see how premium products, guaranteed pricing, 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.

Proper sub-floor preparation is the foundation of a quality installation. Most people who install flooring themselves overlook the importance of sub-floor preparation and are in a hurry to get the job done.

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Different products require different care and maintenance.

Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer in order to get the best long term value of your flooring investment.

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B3

INVENTORY BLOWOUT! SAVE 40% WITH UNIBOARD INSTANT FACTORY REBATES 12 mm Pure Collection

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35 year residential warranty 5 year commercial warranty

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Easy to install drop lock system

12 mm Vintage Collection Canadian made HDF core board Choose from 24 designer colours E1 certified and CARB 2 compliant

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Commercial grade AC 4 wear layer

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Laminate Warehouse MSRP 3.99 Instant Factory Rebate -1.50 Inventory Blowout Price 2.49

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NOBODY BEATS A WAREHOUSE DEAL WAXED EDGE LAMINATE

WATERPROOF FLOORING

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Choose from 5 woodgrain decors

SPC Stone Polymer Core Tile

49 sq ft

Available with matching transitions

2.49

1

Limestone core provides dimensional stability.

The scratch resistance of laminate combined with waxed edges for enhanced protection against spills.

5 mm Shamrock Loose Lay Vinyl 2.99

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Choose from 4 woodgrain decors

149 sq ft

Available with matching transitions

The patented drop lock system offers fast and easy installations. NAF laminate is available in 16 decors.

NOBODY BEATS A WAREHOUSE DEAL

QUALITY PRODUCTS & PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATIONS

WA R E H O U S E

22753 Dewdney Trunk Rd.

ACCREDITED BUSINESS

604 463 1000

Mon - Fri 9:00 - 5:00 Saturday 10:00 - 4:00

A+

www.laminatewarehouse.ca

B4 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 ELECTRONICS & APPLIANCES

Haney Sewing & Sound can help create your dream home Maple Ridge’s source for electronics and appliances turns 50 this year.

Haney Sewing & Sound is celebrating 50 years of being Maple Ridge’s source for electronics, audio, TVs, appliances and all your home needs.

“It’s pretty special to think that my grandfather started the business back in 1969,” said Greg Sheppard, who now co-operates Haney Sewing & Sound.

His grandfather Jack Sheppard started the business after a successful career selling Singer sewing machines. Jack’s sons, Don and Dave, joined the business in the 1980s.

In 2007, Greg joined the business, making him the third generation of Sheppards to operate Haney Sewing & Sound.

They don’t sell as many sewing machines as they did 50 years ago, but Haney Sewing & Sound is the go-to store for Maple Ridge residents looking to buy a new TV, home theatre, appliances, mattresses and more.

Walking through the doors, you are quickly helped by knowledgeable staff who will get you exactly what you want, at a price that fits you budget. “We have always price matched. If you bring in an ad with a lower price than ours, even from online, we will match it, guaranteed. And if the price drops in the first 30 days after you purchased, come in and we will refund the difference.”

Not only can Haney Sewing & Sound staff help design the best layout of a home audio system, but they have qualified installers who can come set up what ever you need, whether it be wireless audio

for your patio and great room or to mount a 55 inch TV on the wall.

The service doesn’t stop there.

Haney Sewing & Sound can deliver any product you buy from the store to your home. And they work with qualified companies who do appliance installations.

“We can arrange anything from gas fitting to installing built-in fridges,” said Greg. “We try our best to make anything possible for our customers.”

The sky’s the limit when it comes to creating your dream home, said Greg.

The trend now is for smart home connectivity.

“We sell ovens that are connected by WiFi. If you are cooking a turkey, the oven will alert you on your phone when the turkey has reached the optimum temperature of 165 degrees. It means you can cook a perfect turkey every time.”

Laundry machines are now connected to WiFi, he added.

“You can put your clothes and

soap in your washer before you leave for work and then turn the machine on with your phone before you get home. That way your clothes are ready to throw in the dryer by the time you get home,” said Greg.

Home automation is here to stay.

“A couple years from now there won’t be an appliance that isn’t connected to WiFi,” Greg said. Technology is changing how our home functions, he added. “With voice command for your home lighting, heating and appliances, it’s pretty exciting times.”

One of the biggest changes the business has seen over the years is in TVs. Now you can own a 75-inch 4K Smart TV for under $2,000.

“The price drop on high end TVs is like nothing we’ve seen before.” The size of TVs has also grown partly because of how homes are designed now, he said.

“Now houses usually have a great room concept that just lends itself to a 65- or 75-inch TV.”

Twenty years ago, the average home had a 27-inch TV that was bulky and heavy. Now, the norm is a 55-inch flat screen TV. And the picture quality has never been better, he said.

“With TVs, it’s all about the colour. If you have good colour, it makes watching things like the Planet Earth series or even Game of Thrones that much richer,” said Greg.

Outdoor entertaining is getting big and Haney Sewing & Sound has everything you need, right down to the wood fire grill.

“We sell wood pellet barbecues that take barbecuing to the next level,” said Greg. “It’s a fun way to

cook and it gives food that wood fire flavour.”

Greg said he has barely used his oven since buying his Traeger barbecue. “These barbecues are foolproof. You tell it what temperature you want something cooked and for how long, and you set it and forget it. “I’ve done pulled pork where I put on the pork the night before and it was perfectly cooked by the next day,” he said.

They sell a lot of keg and wine fridges and wireless speakers for outdoors.

If having automated appliances seems overwhelming, the staff at Haney Sewing & Sound are there to walk you through it all. They are the experts on all the products they sell.

“We are here to take the stress out of buying something for your home,” Greg said. “We want to make sure there are no obstacles in the way.”

Greg encourages people to come browse around. The store has lots of loyal customers who come by to see the latest gadgets and talk shop.

“We love the connection we have with our customers,” he said.

The store offers financing options with different time frames to make a purchase manageable for any budget.

To celebrate its 50 anniversary, Haney Sewing & Sound is planning a big barbecue party for the whole community. The event will take place in the summer, so stay tuned for a date.

All the Sheppards will be there, so come by and say ‘hi.’

5 THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT Haney Sewing & Sound 1 2 3 4 5 Haney Sewing & Sound is celebrating 50 years in business in Maple Ridge;

By Greg Sheppard

the family-owned one-stop shop has everything you need to create your dream home from the top electronics to brand name appliances and mattresses. They price match, even 30 days after purchase;

the great customer service they provide extends beyond the store, and Haney Sewing & Sound can deliver and install electronics and appliances;

every product they carry can be found on their website, www haneysewingandsound.ca Attached to every product is a spec sheet and instructions;

Haney Sewing & Sound offers a variety of financing options.

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B5

$10so0 ry Acces Bonus

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We carry 10 flavours of food grade Hardwood Pellets, Traeger Rubs and Sauces, and a selection of the most popular Traeger accessories.

Serta Revive Home Theatre Package SuperSat3 System

Queen bed set complete with Motion Essentials Adjustable Base

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Every GoldenEar SuperSat speaker model takes advantage of the extraordinary GoldenEar HighVelocity Folded Ribbon tweeter (HVFR™). The ForceField Subwoofers’ unique and attractive cabinet shape, with its non-parallel cabinet walls (the top is narrower than the bottom when viewed from the front), helps the ForceField subs achieve extraordinarily deep and tuneful bass that is ideal for music and movies. Their cutting-edge amplifier design employs state-of-the-art DSP control for frequency shaping so the subs produce accurate, consistent and musical bass performance.

▼

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604-467-3884

APPLIANCES ▼

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This Zippered Cover mattress set by Serta iComfort features the Cool Action Gel Memory Foam, Serta PillowSoft Foam and the Ultimate Edge Foam Support Core. This mattress will bring all the support and comfort you need to get a goodnight sleep The Serta Motion Essentials Adjustable Foundation allows you to adjust the head and foot of the mattress for customized comfort and support.

S E W I N G M A C H I N E S ▼ VA C U U M S

Corner of 224th Street & Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge Monday - Saturday:9:30 am - 5:30 pm Sunday:11:00 am - 5:00 pm

haneysewingandsound.ca

▼

M At t r E S S E S

604-467-3897

B6 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 AUTOMOTIVE

MAINTAIN & SUSTAIN your vehicle at Haney Automotive Lets face it… Life sometimes likes to throw us surprises. Some good, some not so good!!! Your car is no exception and here at Haney Automotive we try to keep those surprises a little less painful and a little less unexpected.

It’s been such a mild winter but here we are in February with a recent extreme cold snap and vehicles that are not happy about it. The team at Haney Automotive knows all too well what sudden weather changes can bring. Owner Brandon Zimmerman strongly encourages customers that continuous maintenance and care can help keep a vehicle in top shape. We pride ourselves in keeping our customers fully informed after their scheduled maintenance appointments. Where is the car at now?

What is important to fix immediately and what looks like it could be coming down the line? And…what could be a problem in that crazy weather change?

Maintenance is key. We recommend every 3 – 4 months you should visit your automotive shop(mileage dependent) for a checkup/ service. At our shop we have very specific and detailed standard operating procedures that go into play when your vehicle is in for a service. These checklists have been perfected and then perfected again to make sure that nothing is getting missed. This way every car gets the same check over. It’s important to know exactly what is happening when you drop off those keys.

We love building a history with your vehicle.

It creates a friendship with it. We feel invested and want to keep it movin’ and groovin’ on the road just as much as you do. That’s why we only work with the best technicians. Chris Duff & John Duncan are our fully licensed and well seasoned Red Seal Journeyman Technicians and Nate Leatherdale is our Second Year Apprentice who continues to excel. It might be a little bold but we like to say that inside of our killer garage…. magic happens. And who doesn’t appreciate a little car love…a whole lot of skill and a sprinkle of magic!

5 CONSUMER TIPS 1 2 Your dedication is part of the process.

Make sure you are visiting your automotive shop on a regular basis.

Oil Changes every 3-4 months (mileage dependent)

3

If it’s time for Brakes… it’s time. Get it done!

4

Just Sayin’….You are only exempt from fluid changes(anti-freeze, transmission fluid, driveline fluids ect…) if you are driving a fully electric vehicle.

5

Make sure that your automotive shop gives you the straight goods… even if that means that THE FIX IS NOT WORTH IT!

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

22711 Selkirk Avenue, Maple Ridge

604.467.0138

www.haneyautomotive.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B7

B8 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 HEATING

Big Valley Heating Is Built on Quality During the last 36 years Big Valley Heating & Sheet Metal Ltd. has turned itself into a dominant force in the heating and cooling industry in the Maple Ridge community. One of the main ways that they have been able to do this is through their quality-centric business model that makes them stand out from many of the other competitors.

“There’s so many one man bands running around with no licenses, permits, bonding, warranty or backup support, which is a big problem,” said Big Valley Heating co-owner Ron McMyn. “We carry a large selection of components for your furnace so if you have a furnace issue you’re not going to get that one man band guy who has to order the part in and leave you without a furnace for three or four days, because we’ll already have it in stock,” he said.

It’s this level of capability and determination to their customers that has allowed Big Valley Heating to become the go-to choice for many of the citizens in the area surrounding Maple Ridge.

“We get people who run into furnace troubles but will actually wait a week to get it fixed by our company because they know what they’re going to get is going to be fair and they’re not going to be overcharged,” said McMyn. “We don’t make our furnace fit your ductwork, we make our furnace and ductwork fit your home.”

As a company that has been around for so long, Big Valley Heating has seen many changes in the technology offered within

the heating and cooling industry.

The latest emerging technologies have them very excited as to what they are able to do with heating systems now.

“The new heating systems are now wireless so you can buy a new furnace and put wireless floor registers into your home, and these floor registers will be able to open and close as the

5 CONSUMER TIPS 1

Choose a contractor who is reliable

heating or cooling demand is needed,” said McMyn. “This is especially useful with older houses, but even with some homes that are built today, because people complain that their living room is cold but their basement is hot. We’re now able to zone all of those rooms separately through those wireless controls on the floor registers.

2

Make sure the contractor has all the necessary parts

3

These haven’t even hit the market yet, but we’re already doing training on it,” he said.

With the help of these new technological advancements, home owners are able to improve more than just their comfort levels.

“The new furnace heating systems are heated with your domestic hot water now,” said McMyn. “Your hot water will go to the furnace which will do your heating load and demand, but it will also do your endless hot

Get someone who makes themselves available to answer calls and warranty issues

4

water which puts your savings at 97 percent.”

Many homeowners go several years with subpar heating and cooling equipment and don’t know how much upgrading can save them, which is something that Big Valley Heating tries to educate people about.

“If your home was built in the 1930’s, or even 60’s and 70’s, then the ductwork was not designed for these new high efficiency direct drive blower motors that are in these new furnaces,” said McMyn. “So in order to compensate for that, the furnace manufacturers have come out with a variable speed motor that can sense pressurization in your ductwork and adjust the pressure levels to it. They’ve also bumped up the rebates for these new products from $500 to $1,000 to try and get people into these new energy efficient guidelines that are out now,” he said.

At Big Valley Heating, it isn’t just about doing a job, it’s about doing that job well. That’s why their qualified technicians use everything available to them to provide you with a customized solution for your home’s heating and cooling needs.

Big Valley Heating & Sheet Metal Ltd. is located at 11868 216th Street, Maple Ridge and is open on Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Make sure the contractor has licensed and bonded service technicians

5

Choose someone who has many different product options

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B9

SALES • INSTALLATION • SERVICE Furnaces

Fireplaces

Hot Water Tanks

*Hot water on demand

Custom Sheet Metal Shop Hours Monday–Friday 7:30–4:30 Showroom Hours Monday–Friday 8:00–4:30, Saturday 8:00–4:00

11868 216 Street, Maple Ridge 604-467-6474 bigvalleyheating.ca

B10 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 STEAKHOUSE & BAR

Key to Keg’s success is in its staff

By Monique Tamminga Going to dinner at the Keg Steakhouse in Maple Ridge is always a special night out.

What sets the Keg apart from other dining experiences is its staff, said General Manager Ryan van Baal.

“The Keg is built on its people,” said Ryan. “It’s the people that matter the most. Our staff love what they do and that shows each night at the Keg.” Ryan has been the general manager at the Keg Maple Ridge since 2009. He was part of the renovations of 2010 and continues in his managerial role today.

“They say do something that doesn’t feel like work, and because of the people I work with, I’m lucky enough to feel that. I love my job.”

He wants to thank all the staff for their dedication and passion and for making each guest’s experience memorable.

“We have 100 staff members so it isn’t always easy to share just how grateful I am to each and every one of them for all they give to make the Maple Ridge Keg what it is,” he said.

The staff at the Keg are family, said Ryan.

“Once you are a Kegger, you are always a Kegger. There is no division between kitchen and front staff. Everyone works as a team and at the end of a long night, often everyone sits down together for dinner and a few laughs. Friendships are started here. Many end up having their social circle through the Keg.” “We have a work hard, play

hard mentality here,” he said. “If servers love what they do, it rings true in the customer’s experiences. If cooks enjoy what they do, work happiness brings together deliciously cooked food,” he said.

“The Keg is all about bringing an experience to our guests. Without our staff being who they are, we wouldn’t be able to do that night after night.”

The staff are a diverse group who are mostly made up of people who have worked five or more years with the Keg.

“Like so many staff here, I started as a dishwasher. Then I went to school and took business which helped me get to the job I have today.”

What many people don’t know is when the Keg is hiring, they don’t always focus on experience, he said.

“We hire greatly on personality over experience. Many of the serving staff and cooks were once dishwashers too,” said Ryan. “So what you are seeing is staff in all positions with a great amount of depth and experience at the Keg. And what you feel is the amount of knowledge and passion that is here.”

No wonder Forbes magazine rates the Keg as one of the best employers to work for year after year, which they were recently

rewarded with again for the third year in a row!

The Keg provides a lot of training to its staff but the experience you have with a server is authentic, he said.

“We really encourage servers to let their own personality shine through. If a couple is coming here for an anniversary dinner, it will be a more intimate dining experience. Whereas if it’s a birthday party, the server will

make it a fun, upbeat experience,” he said. “They don’t work from a script.”

The Keg Steakhouse has something else that makes it stand out – customers can count on their favourites being on the menu.

They can count on the food quality being consistent and delicious every time.

“Cooks love working with quality food and that’s our priority is to get the best quality food.

5 REASONS TO LOVE THE KEG 1 2 3 4 You are getting a true dining experience. Every visit to the Keg should feel special.

That’s where the quality staff come in, making sure you are treated exceptionally from the minute you walk in the door to the smiles you get from the staff as you’re heading home for the night.

The Keg is a true steak house. Most people who choose to eat at the steakhouse, already know their favourites before they even sit down.

Whether it’s any of the Keg’s Classics like the prime rib or top sirloin, each meal is consistent in quality and taste.

You can count on your favourites being on the menu. The Keg is known for its perfectly cooked steaks and seafood, but people also come for the sourdough bread served before the meal, the twice baked potatoes and the dessert menu classics like the Billy Miner Pie. Is your mouth watering yet?

Plus, they really love working in the Keg kitchen and that happiness shines through in the dishes they make,” said Ryan, who is a Red Seal trained chef as well.

The Keg Classics are here to stay, he said. The Keg is known for its quality steaks, like the 8 ounce top sirloin or its prime rib.

People also love the twice baked potato, King crab and lobster tails. But there are other favourites too.

“We aren’t known for our ribs but I think our ribs are the best on the planet.”

The Keg’s success is sticking to what it does best, he said.

“We are a steak house thru and thru. When people think of going out for a steak dinner, we want them to think of us,” said Ryan.

He often goes to corporate meetings where they discuss adding items to the menu.

“But if we want to add something, what would we get rid of?” he asks.

“That’s the challenge. In our appetizers, we have a huge following for our escargot and mushroom Neptune. We couldn’t take those out.

“People love our prime rib, we wouldn’t take that out. Then there are our desserts. We are known for our Billy Miner Pie, our cheesecake and our crème brule.”

Even before the meal is brought to the table, guests count on the fresh-from-the-oven sourdough bread that is brought to the table with three cheese butter. It is one of those things that make people love the Keg.

There is no better night out than at the Keg in Maple Ridge. People choose to spend their special occasions at the Keg because they know they are getting a full experience there. Guests tend to dress up a little more, stay a little longer, usually laugh more and enjoy amazing food in a cozy, upscale atmosphere.

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Sourdough bread with three cheese butter, bacon wrapped scallops, medium rare steak and lobster finished with a Billy Miner Pie served with two forks. Mmmmmm.

These are the reasons to love the Keg.

www.mapleridgenews.com

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B11

WHY NOT

TONIGHT?

You don’t need a special occasion to make you and the people you’re with feel special. From classic steak dinners to appetizers you can share with friends, you’ll always feel celebrated at The Keg.

Reservations accepted 7 days a week.

20640 Dewdney Trunk Rd | 604.465.8911 | Reserve at kegsteakhouse.com

B12 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 FINANCIAL PLANNING

Financial planner Kathy Blom is a name you can trust In an industry like financial planning, trust is a big intangible.

With 40 years in the financial services sector, Certified Financial Planner Kathy Blom’s clients trust her to do what is right for them.

“You don’t often have a financial planner who has the banking background, the accounting background and the legal background that I have,” Kathy says.

“This is a trust industry and people trust me.”

She came up through the financial services sector with 20 years with CIBC and 15 years in the credit union system. She became an investment Funds Advisor in 1998, and progressed to become a Certified Financial Planner in 2008.

For the past 4.5 years she has been out on her own, opening up her Manulife Securities office on Dewdney Trunk Road in Maple Ridge.

It was the right step in her career as now she has more time to focus on her clients and their needs. And the majority of her clients made the move with her — a testament to what she can offer to her clients.

“It’s been great being on my own. I feel I’m giving my clients even better service than I used to,” she says. “I have more time to think about their needs outside of the corporate framework, and that’s a great gift to be able to give them.”

Kathy looks at the overall holistic picture for a client, such as will and estates, taxation issues, trust issues, RRSP and retirement

Kathy Blom, Certified Financial Planner.

planning and insurance protection.

“It’s not just about investing — it’s about being tax efficient. Do you have your estate planning in order? Are you spending the right money first? Are you well diversified? A lot of clients don’t know what that means,” she says.

“Many clients may pay too much attention to media reports of what’s going on in the markets”.

“I don’t invest based on what’s going on with the markets, I invest based on what’s going on in clients’ lives”.

“My job is no different than a doctor, accountant, lawyer or notary — you look at things holistically. My job is to give them peace of mind and keep them

5 CONSUMER TIPS 1 2 by Kathy Blom

Having a Financial Planner helps clients understand why it is important to look at the holistic picture, not just one area.

safe. That’s what I do.”

And every client is different, so Kathy makes sure she treats every client as such.

“First we need to find out whether you fit, and do you like me? There has to be a right fit,” she adds. “I have a lot of experience, not just in financial planning. I have experience in lending, a legal background, an accounting background, so really nothing can fall through the cracks.

“What I do with new clients is we have a conversation about what do they need. Maybe they don’t need me. Maybe they are self-doers and like to manage their own planning. People don’t come here to tell me what to do,

Having a Financial Planner helps clients stay focused on their overall goals and objectives and not market conditions.

3

Having a Financial Planner lets clients know that someone is there to help, guide and educate.

they come here because they want me to guide them. I just go from A to Z. I ask a lot of questions about debt, life stage, and really what’s important to them.

Not everyone’s goals and objectives are the same.”

After she is confident in her client’s motivators, she gets to work putting together all of the components that will help them to achieve their stated goals.

“There’s a lot of financial pressure on Canadians at all stages of their life, but especially as they get older, and they need good, solid advice and information,” she says. “I have a lot of senior clients, but I just also got three new young clients, 24, 25 and 27-years old, which is great be-

4

Having a Financial Planner gets clients to review their goals and objectives frequently, and measures their progress.

5

cause they are all savers and want detailed financial information.

They are looking at the future and the big picture. As I said, I get clients from all walks of life.

Every person who comes in is not the same, so I guess I don’t put them into a bucket. I look at every single person and then I tailor a plan for their needs.”

Kathy grew up in Maple Ridge and it’s her hometown. She loves the community and it’s certainly helped build up her client base.

“I want to thank all the clients who came with me and invite others to come in and talk with me. This is my hometown so that’s why I’m here. It’s a wonderful place to live, work and do business,” she says.

Having a Financial Planner gives clients peace of mind, knowing that they are taken care of and there are no financial gaps.

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B13

The Investment Industry is Always Changing How do you manage the changes, and how might they affect you?

How do you know where you fit with regards to fees? the never-ending stress from media and regulators doesn’t help, but knowledge is power.

Before you make any changes to your current portfolio, make sure you understand the benefits or possible drawbacks, and how changes in fee structures may affect your individual situation.

Always get a professional opinion before making any changes to your investments. ‌ and please, remember I am always here to help. ~ Kathy AllocAtion - term deposits, mutuAl funds, segregAted funds, Annuities, etfs | retirement plAnning | divorce/seperAtion plAnning | group Benefits | trAvel insurAnce | plAnning - Wills, poWers of Attorney, fAmily trusts, insurAnce plAnning | deBt plAnning And tAx plAnning | plAnning

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Kathy Blom, certified financial planner | Matthew Blom, Assistant 22519 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge, B.C. V2X 7X7 Phone: 604-467-5211 | Cell: 778-242-2334 | Fax: 604-467-8985 Kathy.Blom@manulifesecurities.ca mutual funds are offered through manulife securities incorporated. insurance products and services are offered through manulife securities insurance Agency

B14 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 BUILDING SUPPLIES

Haney Builders Supplies offers bit of everything From kitchens to decks, all offered through one-on-one customer service.

Since first opening its doors in 1939, Haney Builders Supplies has established itself as a cornerstone business of the Maple Ridge community.

Every day, the lumberyard and building supply store helps community members get started on the renovations and construction projects of their dreams, whether that involves helping them pick out the best new windows for their home or even helping them plan out the logistics of their project.

“Some people come in here not really knowing even where to begin, so we will sit down and plan with our customers how to best approach the project that they are thinking of doing,” said Haney Builders Supplies home décor consultant Carrie Nygaard-Petersen.

Depending on what type of project you are doing, it can quickly become overwhelming to the average consumer.

“It’s quite a process when you’re planning a kitchen. It’s not like, ‘Ok, I’m going to go away for the weekend, here’s my keys and I’ll come back to my new kitchen,’” said Petersen.

That is exactly the kind of thing that the staff at Haney Builders Supplies is hoping to communicate to the customers when they do their one-on-one sit-down with them. It’s this level of commitment to the customer that is one of the many things, which sets Haney Builders Supplies apart from other larger

competitors.

“When you go to a big-box store, you have to know what you’re doing and be able to just go in there and get what you need to get, and you don’t get the oneon-one like you do with Haney Builders,” said Petersen.

“At these bigger stores, you’re going to have to talk to somebody about tile, then go to another department and talk to somebody about cabinets, and then go to another department and talk to somebody about paint. You don’t get that all in one from a single person like you do here,” she said.

Being willing to help out the customers is only part of having a successful business, though. You also need you staff to be knowledgeable about what they’re talking about, and, according to Petersen, Haney Builders Supplies has some of the most knowledgeable staff around.

“Our staff inside of the service counter are generally people who have a wealth of knowledge and are able to help the customers out because they’ve done these kinds of projects themselves,” she said.

“I’ve heard it over and over again from customers that they love the

5 CONSUMER TIPS 1 2 if you’re hiring someone, then be sure to get some references;

beware of hidden costs;

3

“We get some people who come in here for the very first time and they are very surprised to walk into our building and find that we have absolutely everything here” – Haney Builders Supplies home décor consultant Carrie Nygaard-Petersen

fact that they can come in here and ask a plumbing or electrical question and we have people here who can help them with it.”

Even after 80 years of business, Haney Builders Supplies is still finding ways to surprise its cus-

buy all your supplies from the same place if possible;

4

tomer base, and it’s thanks to an all encompassing storefront.

“We get some people who come in here for the very first time and they are very surprised to walk into our building and find that we have absolutely everything here,” said Petersen.

The help that Haney Builders Supplies can offer its customers extends beyond what’s actually in the store. Even if a customer comes in and is looking for a product or service not provided, Haney Builders Supplies can recommend someone reliable who is able to help the customer with that project. This comes from many decades of being in the community and working sideby-side with many other reliable and hard-working construction companies and tradespeople.

As part of Haney Builders Supplies’ approach to being a company that offers everything, it also takes part in quite a few community charity and fundraising events. Every year, the business helps out the Friends In Need Food Bank by encouraging and collecting non-perishable food donations at various events throughout the year.

One of these big events is the annual golf tournament, which has drawn in over $150,000 in the last 30 years. These are just some of the ways in which Haney Builders Supplies goes out of its way to help out the community.

• Haney Builders Supplies is located at 22740 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge and is open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

plan out every step beforehand;

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get a budget and follow it.

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B15

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B16 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 SENIORS RESIDENCE

Local owners inspire family atmosphere at The Wesbrooke Pat De Luca is determined to maintain a committed hands-on ownership style at The Wesbrooke Seniors Living Community.

To prove that point, he takes a few extra minutes with residents before he sits down for an interview about his successful, family-owned, 114-suite seniors living facility in the heart of downtown Pitt Meadows, 12000 – 190A Street.

“We are having an entertainer today and I needed to introduce the Irish fiddler,” he says. “She’s brilliant.”

De Luca and his wife Celeste co-own The Wesbrooke and work onsite at least five days a week, an unusual perk in an industry where many seniors’ homes are owned by large corporations.

Pat and Celeste opened The Wesbrooke in December 2012 and recently marked the occasion with a six-year anniversary celebration for residents, families, and staff.

They created their new seniors living community after gaining valuable experience as partners in the group that developed Maple Ridge’s Willow Manor about 14 years ago.

“We really wanted to develop a unique kind of place that we could be a big part of every day,” Pat said.

And that’s exactly what they did.

“We aren’t tied to a corporate chain that looks at the bottom line first,” he says. “We look at the needs of our residents and how happy they are.”

The Wesbrooke includes both independent and assisted living suites catering to the variety of needs of today’s seniors. Independent residents have the choice of studio, one- or two-bedroom units on any of the four floors.

Assisted living suites are located on the third floor, although residents throughout the facility have access to extra care.

These assisted living units have access to a nurse manager/clinical lead and 24-hour care aides for those who need a little more help.

Care aides can assist residents throughout the building, day or night, and there are added security measures in place, such as 24-hour monitoring of entrances and the parkade, an advanced security system with personal entry card and 24-hour emergency response service, as well as quarterly health assessments.

“It’s important that people get the help they need,” he says. “Especially some of the more elderly residents who may need assis-

5 CONSUMER TIPS when choosing a seniors living 1 2 community:

If your loved one is independent, find out if the residence has an active outlook, ask what types of activities are offered.

tance during the night.”

The main floor boasts an elegant dining room, where healthy meals are served twice a day and a continental breakfast buffet is provided every morning, and tea room, where residents can relax and enjoy on their own time, and a welcoming common area complete with a grand piano.

There’s also an on-site hair salon, a media room, wellness centre, gym room and a fireside lounge and bar. Families can gather in a separate country-kitchen or private dining room that can be used when residents want a little extra space to host family.

Maintaining these close ties is a key goal for Pat and Celeste, who grew up surrounded by family in Vancouver and have lived for decades in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, where they have raised their own children.

Families are invited to brunch at Christmas at The Wesbrooke, as well as family BBQs in the summer, and are kept in touch

If you need assisted living, find out if the residence is registered with the provincial assisted living registry.

3

with newsletters and other ongoing communication efforts.

“We’re passionate about family,” Pat says. “I guess it comes from the way we grew up. We know how important parents are and how important grandparents are. We believe in family and respect this whole family philosophy and way of thinking.”

The Wesbrooke staff also work hard to create connections new for residents within the Pitt Meadows community. They host events such as an Alzheimer’s association tea, collect food for local food banks, work with local organizations, bring school classes to visit, and host a Parents of Young Children program.

“It’s so important to create these community and intergenerational connections,” he says.

This community environment didn’t happen by accident.

Pat worked closely with the Pitt Meadows municipality and Pitt Meadows Seniors Association representatives in an in-depth community process that resulted

When you walk in to a residence, does it ‘feel’ right? Each seniors community has a feeling or ambience.

Is it bright, clean, modern, or outdated?

4

in the unique building that houses both The Wesbrooke and the Pitt Meadows Seniors Centre.

The Wesbrooke residents receive a complimentary membership in the Pitt Meadows Seniors Association and access to the Pitt Meadows Seniors Centre through an adjoining door in the building.

Good thing, because seniors are becoming healthier and living longer, Pat notes.

When he first began working with seniors, there were less than a dozen people in their 90s in his facility. Now, at The Wesbrooke there are more than 40 people in their 90s among the more than 130 residents. As well, there are more men, and more couples calling the building home.

“It’s a very interesting trend,” says Pat. “For us, it’s really nice to see our residents living well and longer.”

• To discover more about The Wesbrooke, call 604-460-7006.

Do the staff say ‘hello’ as you are walking through the building?

This is a sign of a caring and warm community.

5

Ask if the chef is willing to give you a tour of the kitchen.

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B17

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B18 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 DAYCARE AND PRESCHOOL

Little Garden Montessori celebrates 15 years Anniversary party planned for June

By Monique Tamminga The year 2019 is going to be very special over at Little Garden Montessori Center in Maple Ridge. This year marks the center’s 15th year of “watching children grow.”

“It’s really amazing to look back on and think of all the amazing children we’ve had here over those years, and the lasting relationships we’ve had with families,” said Victoria Bennett, owner and operator of Little Garden.

Little Garden Montessori Center is marking the 15th Anniversary by hosting a summer party unlike any other for all past and present families.

“We hold an annual year-end potluck picnic in June at Maple Ridge Park but this year we are holding a huge celebration and inviting all past families, current families and past staff to come out,” said Victoria.

The anniversary party will be held June 15 at Maple Ridge Park.

The center will continue with the traditional picnic potluck but they plan to provide fun treats such as hot dogs, anniversary cupcakes, popcorn and snow cones. Victoria is hiring a photographer to photograph the event and take family photos. There will be plenty of games as well. Victoria is also adding several bouncy castles to suit different age groups.

“I’ve been bumping into past families and letting them know about the anniversary and I’ve created an anniversary Facebook page. I can’t wait to see all my families from over the years, to see how their children have grown and find out what they are doing right now. Some of the

children will have already graduated from high school and would be enrolled in college or university. It will also be nice to connect with our amazing past teaching staff. I’ve always felt that the families and teachers that joined Little Garden became part of our big family,” Victoria said.

Little Garden Montessori Center has been providing care for the families of Maple Ridge and the surrounding communities since 2004. The fully licensed centre has seven different rooms including; an Infant & Toddler Program, 3 Multi-Age Care Programs, a 3-5 year old Daycare Program, a Preschool & Kindergarten Program, and an Out Of School Care Program. All the childcare rooms have the required teacher to child ratios and they use the Montessori philosophy throughout the centre.

Victoria estimates that over the past 15 years, over 1,000 children have attended center.

“Every child is so unique and the dynamics in the classrooms are always different with every year. That’s what makes this profession so exciting. We’ve had families that have had four or five of their children go through our programs here, and one year we even had four sets of twins attending at the same time.”

She said it is always nice when past families come to visit.

“It’s so great to have families pop by or call and let us know how everything is going. It’s always sad when you have gone from seeing a family all the time for two to five years and then their child leaves for elementary school and we stop seeing them every day.”

“One of the most wonderful things for me is to see all the friendships that have blossomed

5 CONSUMER TIPS 1 2 Victoria Bennett and Kim Beckett, her mother, were the original owners of Little Garden Montessori Center in 2004, they both have a passion and love of children, education, and the Montessori philosophy.

from time spent at Little Garden.

I love hearing that parents or children who met here at Little Garden are still best of friends.”

The Montessori method of teaching at Little Garden allows for the child to lead their own learning.

“We are here to guide the child, but they have the freedom to choose the activities they are interested in,” she explains. “They may be drawn to a particular work on the shelf, as all activities are displayed to entice interest.

The teacher will help the child learn the prerequisite skills to be able to reach that goal. The most important duty of the teacher is to observe these, sometimes subtle, clues and make note of this interest. Keeping records of each child’s preferences and accomplishments helps the teacher guide the child from the beginning steps to the more advanced levels of each area.”

Victoria said she has been blessed with amazing staff who have brought so much to the chil-

When trying to name the center they came up with: Little Caterpillars Montessori Center, Little Wonders Montessori Center, but they truly loved their final choice Little Garden Montessori Center.

3

dren of Little Garden.

“I’m just so thankful and lucky.

We’ve had so many caring and nurturing staff. We have a big centre but it is a real family feel here,” she said. “I want Little Garden to feel like, ‘a home away from home for your child.’ Smaller group sizes, usually eight children or less with one or more teachers, help toward this goal.

And just like family, the center strives to encourage values and manners that families want to see at home. Maria Montessori was well known for striving for world peace. She did this through creating a peace curriculum. Showing the diversity in the world and learning that differences are OK, children are encouraged to respect others, themselves and the environment.

“We are really focused on keeping health and wellness as a priority. That means everything from cleanliness like encouraging everyone to wash their hands continuously throughout the day to promoting healthy eating.”

The families of the first 3 children that attended Little Garden Montessori Center in July of 2004 are still in contact with Kim and Victoria to this day.

4

At Little Garden they also teach avid recycling and how to be a ‘Little Garden’ Earth ambassador.

“We show everyone how simple it is to care for our planet by composting and recycling everything that we are able. For the most part the only thing we throw in the garbage is diapers” she said.

Community service has also been a very important aspect at Little Garden. This includes visiting Maple Ridge Seniors’ Village, sponsoring families in need at Christmas, donating to the Maple Ridge Food Bank and money collected by the children and their families goes to the Terry Fox Foundation and Variety Children’s Charity.

Over the past 15 years, Little Garden keeps growing. In 2013, Victoria relocated her center to its current location at 22299 Dewdney Trunk Road, to keep up with the demand. “There is such a growing need for daycare. Maple Ridge is growing so fast and the need for quality child care is huge,” she said.

“Spaces can open up at many different times during the year, so it’s always a good idea to check in with us. I’m happy to provide a tour and meet with families anytime of the year,” she said. Victoria holds an annual registration Open House over the winter; in January and February.

Victoria encourages anyone who has been part of the Little Garden family from 2004 to present to contact her about the upcoming anniversary party on June 15, 2019.

If new families are interested in becoming part of the Little Garden experience, please email Victoria at littlegarden@shaw.ca or phone the center at 604-466-5728.

Little Garden is a true family business with all immediate members of Victoria’s family working at the center in many different capacities throughout the 15 years.

5

We are excited to see the start of the 2nd generation of Little Garden children joining us now. We look forward to the next 15 years of laughing, learning and growing.

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B19

ears of WatChing Childr y 5 1 g en g ratin ro W b e el ! 20 C y 04 l d -20 u o 19 Pr

Call for information or to book a tour.

Contact us at: 604-466-5728 littlegarden@shaw.ca

22299 Dewdney Trunk Rd, Maple Ridge littlegardenmontessori.com

B20 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 FIREPLACES

Stoves From Warm Hearth Create A Cozy, Warm Atmosphere In Any Home Now is the perfect time to buy a new wood, pellet or gas-burning stove to warm your home.

Lisa Blaine from Maple Ridge’s Warm Hearth Heating Centre, says rebates currently offered by Metro Vancouver are a good incentive for homeowners.

Residents are eligible to receive a $250 rebate for trading in their old, uncertified wood-burning appliance for a new low-emission appliance.

Warm Hearth Heating Centre – located at 11834 226th St. – sells a variety of EPA-certified stoves that will make a stylish addition to any home.

“The government wants to encourage people to use stoves that burn cleaner and don’t give off as much smoke,” says Lisa.

“Now is the time to buy to take advantage of these savings.”

Another reason to buy is the continuing decline of the Canadian dollar, which will likely make stoves more expensive in the future.

The low Canadian dollar makes the cost of materials more and, as a result, units are more expensive to produce, even if they’re made in B.C. “If you’re thinking of buying, you should do so sooner rather than later,” says Lisa.

“We’re already seeing prices go up, so it’s a good time to stop by Warm Hearth and see what we have in store.”

Warm Hearth Heating Centre’s wide selection of wood, pellet and gas-burning stoves provides benefits beyond just keeping warm.

Lisa explains that the kind of heat provided by burning wood is ideal for the Lower Mainland’s humid climate since the dryness of the wood goes a long way towards keeping houses mold-free.

Warm Hearth offers a great selection of wood and gas replaces to warm your home.

She says enjoying a wood-burning stove regularly is a lifestyle, because you have to split the wood, stack it and clean up after. The effort is worth it, however, because wood is the cheapest heating method and also creates a cozy atmosphere.

For people who lead busy lifestyles and don’t have time to burn wood, Lisa recommends a gas stove.

“It’s as convenient as clap-on, clap-off,” she says.

With cold weather on the way, Lisa says customers are buying stoves as part of their emergency plan.

“They are asking, ‘how do we survive eight days without power?’”

She recommends buying high-quality units – an easy task to fulfill at Warm

5 CONSUMER TIPS 1 2 Take advantage of a $250 rebate offered

by Metro Vancouver for trading in an old uncertified wood-burning appliance.

by Lisa Blaine

Consider buying a new stove or insert before prices start to increase due to the sinking Canadian dollar.

Hearth since many of its products are made in B.C., which is considered the best in manufacturing.

Visitors to the United States can notice local brands like Regency and Pacific Energy on full display, because their reputations cross the border as well.

“These companies’ proven track records speak for themselves.”

One important tip Lisa emphasizes is to not use chimney-sweeping logs in wood-burning stoves because they can dry out the inside and make it more flammable, potentially causing a chimney fire.

The air-tight environment makes the situation dangerous, and the stove will need to be professionally cleaned after.

As long as proper precautions are tak-

3

Burning chimney-sweeping logs in wood-burning stoves can cause chimney fires.

4

Air-tight replaces provide efficient heat. en, Lisa says that a wood or gas-burning stove can be an excellent addition to any home. “They can really turn a house into a home.”

Buy a high-quality stove, including the B.C.-made stoves.

5

Make sure your chimney is cleaned by a professional.

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B21

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B22 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 HEALTH FOOD STORE

Roots Remains Focused on Delivering Quality Organic Food Ever since Roots Natural Organic Foods was purchased by its current owners over 25 years ago it has been on a mission to deliver high quality organic products to the Maple Ridge community. As part of that mission the store has been transformed from a small speciality health store to a full-blown organic grocery store that offers everything you could possibly want.

This expansion has allowed the store to offer more products to the community, which is becoming increasingly vital with every year that goes by. “As natural health products become more and more popular, it’s really important to have stores like Roots to help consumers make informed choices, and find the products best suited for them,” said Roots Natural Co-Owner Ashley Muir.

One of the hardest parts about shopping for organic and healthy foods in regular grocery stores is that it requires you to do a bunch of research and read dozens of product labels in order to make sure that what you’re consuming is actually organic and good for you. Roots Natural takes this issue out of the equation by ensuring that a product’s label has been carefully scrutinized and researched before it becomes available to purchase in the store.

What the store stands for and strives to achieve hasn’t changed

over the years, but their demographic sure has. “We’re seeing more young people in their 20’s and 30’s getting into organics which is great,” said Muir.

“It’s really indicative of how much more information there is out there for consumers in regards to the importance of maintaining your health, eating organic, and limiting your exposure to pesticides and GMO’s,” she said.

In addition to a wide selection of organic foods, Roots Natural also offers a variety of wheat-

free, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, raw food, low sodium and sugar-free products.

But the owners and the staff at Roots Natural realize that it isn’t just about the quality of products that you can offer the customers, but the quality of the service as well. That’s why they go out of their way to create an extremely welcoming environment.

“I think people really enjoy the atmosphere at Roots,” said Muir.

“We’re a very down to earth, customer service based store,

and we try our best to make people feel comfortable and happy shopping there.

“These days with all of the social media, texting, and emailing it’s easy to lose touch with people. At Roots we want to maintain that sense of community, we talk to everyone, and we know most of our customers by name which isn’t something you’d get at a big box store or online,” she said.

Roots Natural is located at 22254 Dewdney Trunk

Road, Maple Ridge and is open Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

“We’re a very down to earth, customer service based store,” -Roots Natural Co-Owner Ashley Muir

5 CONSUMER TIPS 1 2 3 Don’t get overwhelmed! You don’t need to throw out the contents of your fridge, replace things with healthier options as they run out.

Read labels.

If you can’t pronounce it, you probably shouldn’t be eating it.

Buy organic fruits and veggies that are in season, and if possible locally grown.

4

If you can’t manage to buy all organic produce, focus on the “dirty dozen”. Those are the top 12 most heavily sprayed fruits and veggies. (We can give you a list in store)

5

If you need extra help getting started, come in and ask one of our knowledgeable staff members. We’re here to help!

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B23

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B24 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

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COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 CONTINUING AND POST SECONDARY EDUCATION

Riverside Centre, one stop learning centre Riverside Centre, located at 20575 Thorne Avenue in Maple Ridge, provides continuing education programs, the Connected Learning Community program, international education coordination, and is home to Ridge Meadows College.

The Continuing Education program provides many learning options for youth 16 and older who want to complete or upgrade their high school education. The Continuing Education Department offers a broad range of course selections, including adult and high school graduation, as well as English language foundations.

“Many younger students enroll in our continuing education programs to either get themselves back on track or to assist themselves with their current courses, all complying with the Ministry of Education,” said Craig Shupe, manager of Ridge Meadows College.

For easier access to the adult learner, options include day and evening classes and online learning for adults.

As an integral part of School District No. 42, Riverside Centre is also home to the district’s online school, the Connected Learning Community.

This school offers online courses for adult students over 19 years of age and school-aged students under 19. On-line education allows adult learners to work at their regular occu-

pations and still have access to education.

The courses are based on the British Columbia Prescribed Learning Outcomes, allowing students to earn a Dogwood Graduation Certificate, at the time and place of their choosing.

“We are see a wide variety of students applying for on-line learning,” said Shupe. “They can work at their own pace but they must be a self-starter and commit to the programs.

They have access to real teachers in our system to assist and guide them as they progress.”

Riverside Centre offers programs for international students. International Education is responsible for bringing students from overseas for Kindergarten to Grade 12 programs, short-term cultural programs and international

5 CONSUMER TIPS 1 2 For CE and connected learning courses, book an appointment, bring your photo ID, proof of B.C. residency.

By Craig Shupe, Manager, Ridge Meadows College

teacher training. They also co-ordinate home stay for international students and provide accommodation for them here in Canada.

Riverside Centre also serves as the home base for Ridge Meadows College. As a fully accredited private college, Ridge Meadows College offers a variety of certificate programs.

In partnership with School District No. 42, Ridge Meadows College provides high-quality and varied learning opportunities for students in every stage of life.

Whether you are an employer looking for workplace training for your employees, an adult looking for a new path, an ex-

For certificate programs or courses, check on availability with our day or evening clerks.

3

perienced worker wanting to upgrade your skill sets, or a high school graduate preparing for a career, Ridge Meadows College has something for everyone.

In less than a year, you could earn a certificate as an administrative office assistant, a special education teacher assistant, or an early childhood educator.

Ridge Meadows College also offers workplace certification, including FoodSafe, WHMIS, building service worker, and forklift operator.

“We provide contract training for outside agencies as well,” said Shupe.

“We have contracts with both

Interested in becoming a host family? Down load the Host Family application package from our website.

4

Our office hours fit everyones schedule!

the federal and provincials corrections branches and provide vocational training to inmates.

We also offer non-credit courses to the general public. Many people just want to learn something new and find that they now have time in their lives to do that.”

Some of these general interest courses include how to get better grades in school, digital photography, how to write and publish your own book in 40 days, computers for absolute beginners, how to start a small business or downsizing and clearing clutter, organizing your life.

“Ridge Meadows College was fully accredited in 2000 by the Private Career Training Institutions Agency, a division of the Ministry of Advanced Education. We always get so many positive testimonials from our students.

They enjoy being able to stay here in their home community and take their post - secondary courses.”

“Riverside Centre offers an incredible variety of learning options, talented and friendly dedicated staff, and a supportive environment that will enable you to build your future the way you dream it. We hope you will seriously consider Riverside Centre when you are looking at your educational options – learn locally” A complete guide to the services provided by Riverside Centre Continuing can be found in their course guide or on their SD No. 42 website.

5

Have a passion you would like to share?

Submit a proposal outlining course content, resources needed, suggested dates, and contact information.

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The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B25

We’re ready for you!

rmc@sd42.ca www.rmcollege.ca Career Vocational Training Workplace Certification General Interest & Personal Development

inted@sd42.ca www.inted@sd42.ca fax: 604-465-3596

Are you interested in welcoming an international student into your home?

For information contact:

inted.sd42.ca/become-a-host-family

ce@sd42.ca http://ce.sd42.ca

In-class & Online Learning Options for Adults & Youth (16+) Semester Course Delivery (Fall & Spring) Day & Evening Courses Available

Connected Learning Community, our Online School

clc@sd42.ca http://clc.sd42.ca

Check our websites for information on Winter/Spring 2019 courses and programs.

T 604-466-6555 F 604-463-543 rmc@sd42.ca • 20575 Thorne Avenue, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 9A6

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The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

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COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 DENTURIST

Precision Denture – Crafting joie de vivre Denturists bring artistry to the science and technology behind a smile Jiwan Bhogal and Joe Quarto are craftsmen, and like all craftsmen they find joy not only in the creation process but in the pleasure their creation brings others. They believe a person with a properly crafted denture will laugh more in social settings, will be less afraid to try new foods, and will feel healthier as food is chewed efficiently and nutrition is absorbed properly.

“As human beings we need to socialize but sometimes people avoid certain gatherings because they can’t eat certain food because of poor denture fit and function,” says Bhogal. “That’s one of the biggest joys of life, is food.”

He sees his role, and that of fellow denturist Joe Quarto, as a facilitator who combine science, technology, and artistry to ensure their patients are able to step up to the foodie paradise that Canada’s multi-cultural population has created and dig in.

Precision Denture Clinic offers complete and partial dentures, dentures on implants, and immediate dentures.

They also provide exams, care, maintenance, and repair.

“Everything is handmade on the premises,” says Quarto.

“We have our own in-house lab, so nothing gets sent out.” This allows for a high degree of quality control, including matching the denture to the patient’s age,

complexion, and facial features.

“So, each individual patient that we see, we not only see the patient (consult) part of it, but the lab part of it, right through to the end,” says Bhogal.

The process, which can involve several fittings, was created to ensure a proper fit, function and “Excellent! My new teeth look and feel great. At first, I wasn’t sure about getting a bottom partial but I am so glad I did.

I highly recommend Precision Denture Clinic. Thank you for the care I got and super new smile.” – Google Five Star review.

5 CONSUMER TIPS 1 2 Relationships Matter – Wearing dentures for more than five years without having them checked could be harmful to your health.

aesthetic. The denture must also work with the natural movement of the patient’s jaw when they are eating, speaking, or laughing, which takes time and precision to create.

“There’s a lot of science involved in knowing the structures of the oral cavities and the muscular around the face.

Technology’s involved because we use tools and instruments to take intricate recordings of the jaw relations. And the art comes in with the carving around the teeth and making something just come alive,” says Bhogal.

A Welcoming Environment – It’s important that each patient who walks through the door feels comfortable and at ease. We never rush or pressure our patients to make decisions that they aren’t 100 per cent comfortable with.

3

Team work – We work with other health care professionals to make sure you have the best end result.

Both Bhogal and Quarto are registered with the College of Denturists of British Columbia and are members of the Denturist Association of British Columbia.

“This is my second set of dentures made at Precision Denture Clinic. This set fits like a glove as did my first set. No sores, no problems.

Would highly recommend Precision to anyone who needs to have dentures. Staff is friendly and couldn’t be more helpful.” – Facebook Five Star review.

4

Treatment Planning – The day you are fitted with your new denture(s) isn’t the last you’ll see of us.

5

Credentials – Always check credentials when working with a denturist. At Precision Denture Clinic, Jiwan Bhogal has been licensed for over a decade. Joe Quarto has been licensed for 30 years. Both denturists are registered with the College of Denturists, as well the Denturist Association of BC.

www.mapleridgenews.com

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B27

Esthetics Phonetics Function

Implant Solutions Complimentary Consultation Jiwan Bhogal RD | Joe Quarto RD 101-22325 McIntosh Avenue, Maple Ridge 604-467-5655

precisiondenture.ca

B28 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

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COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 FIREARMS

Don’t trifle with rifles: Wanstalls is your firearms expert Local specialist is the hub of Maple Ridge’s gun community Wanstalls in Maple Ridge offers an incredibly diverse selection of products and services for firearms enthusiasts. But unlike a big-box retailer, you won’t find branded bed sheets, kitchen gadgets or maple walnut fudge at Wanstalls.

“You want experts in this business. You want specialists,” said Wanstalls owner Craig Jones. “It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced shooter or a novice, you want to talk to people who specialize in firearms and ammunition.”

Expertise is Wanstalls’ stockin-trade. Hunters, target shooters and collectors all require specific gear and knowledge to enjoy their hobbies safely and responsibly.

There are several disciplines and sub-disciplines under the “shooting sports” umbrella, and each requires its own gear and a specific approach. While all Wanstalls staff members are thoroughly knowledgeable about guns and ammo, each member also has a particular interest.

“One of our guys is into hand loading, and military surplus firearms and bushcraft,” Jones said. “Another guy is really into knives and handguns. The store manager’s area of expertise is knives, black rifles and precision rifles.

“And mine is hunting firearms and reloading. Any one of us here can answer a general question, and all of us here will refer you to our resident expert on whatever

your interest is.”

Jones had been an army cadet and a Canadian Army reservist with the Seaforth Highlanders.

Army life gave him a love of the outdoors, and that’s when he took up hunting. He bought the Wanstalls sporting goods store a dozen years ago and focused the enterprise on his passion for guns.

The store has become a gathering place for local enthusiasts and an important first stop for people who want to take up a shooting sport. Jones says that sense of community is what makes a locally owned and operated shop a real treasure.

“When you’re a novice there’s a ton of questions you can throw out.”

It’s especially helpful for novices, who Jones says “may have seen a gun on TV” before walking into the shop.

5 CONSUMER TIPS 1 2 Deal with experts. You will save money in the long run, and you will enjoy your hobby more, if you have the right gear.

By Craig Jones

“It’s not that online is a bad thing. We do have an online business as well,” he said.

But online shopping is best suited for experienced people who know exactly what they need. “When you’re a novice there’s a ton of questions you can throw out.”

Often newcomers to the sport rely on a friend’s advice, which might not always lead to smart purchases. When you buy online, you’re on your own.

“When you talk to somebody who’s knowledgeable, they can answer those questions and get you down the road the way you should be, as opposed to the way you think you want to be,” Jones said.

Shop local! There is no substitute for having a rapport with local experts and with others who share your interests.

3

And with a novice customer, Wanstalls staff is likely to ask their share of questions: What types of game do you want to hunt with this rifle? How do you intend to hunt—are you going to be on a quad or on foot?

“We’ll ask those questions, and we’ll get a rapport going. We want to know if the customer’s a traditionalist — a ‘wood, blue steel and .30-06’ kind of guy — or whether they prefer the latest whiz bang thing.”

Then they will discuss the customer’s needs in proportion to

Price matters. With firearms, price is definitely an indication of quality.

Often a used highquality firearm is a better deal than a brand new entrylevel gun. Get the best you can afford.

4

their budget to find the right setup for them.

A big advantage of shopping locally is the instant network of service providers in the area.

Wanstalls can set you up with instruction, range access, and repair and maintenance professionals. If they don’t offer a service themselves, they know who does.

For the established enthusiast, Jones says Wanstalls offers highly-specialized, hard-to-find, or high-end products. “We’ve got some of the things that that they typically may not see, or that other companies may not stock,” he said, including Ed Brown, Nighthawk Custom, and Les Baer custom handguns.

Another specialty is military surplus weapons, many of which haven’t been manufactured in 50 or 60 years. “We’ve got a surplus firearm upstairs right now that was made in 1861. So there are very limited amounts of those kinds of guns available, and there’s a core group of individuals that collect those old firearms,” Jones said.

No matter what shooting discipline interests you, Jones says great customer service always depends on the same two things: you want experts, and you want a local gun shop.

“We’re available here with decades of combined experience,” he said. “I’ve been shooting for 30 years or so. The other guys have been shooting for well over 10 or 20 years. Any customer can tap into that experience, anyone can take advantage of that resource— and not be charged for it.”

Know your interests. Are you a hunter? A target shooter? Collector?

An expert gun dealer will help you find what you need.

5

Do some homework.

If you are new to shooting sports, look into Hunter Safety Courses, Firearms Licences and other regulations. We can also help with that.

www.mapleridgenews.com

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B29

Proudly retailing Firearms and Shooting supplies since 1971 We retail all types of firearms from all of the major manufactures as well as a wide selection of hunting, shooting and reloading supplies.

Rifles, shotguns and Handguns Reloading supplies Large selection of scopes, binoculars and range finders Wide assortment of Hunting and Shooting Supplies Large Selection of used and consignment firearms 22338 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge, B.C. V2X 2T4 1-888-967-4867 604-467-9232 sales@wanstallsonline.comShop

Shop online at www.wanstallsonline.com $10 shipping anywhere in Canada ($100 or more*- excluding safes and ammo)

B30 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

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COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 CLEANING

Energetic dependability cornerstone of local Molly Maid franchise Mother-daughter combine skills to build local cleaning service.

The drawing together of positive, energetic and dependable women who take pride in their work has become the cornerstone of the two Molly Maid franchises owned by the mother-daughter team Michele and Kylie Yonge.

“We have such a great team of women working for us,” explains Kylie Yonge. “We have a mutual trust for each other, which builds a strong work family.”

While the fact that staff are professionally trained, bonded, and insured may sooth new clients concerned about allowing strangers into their home to clean, it is the sense of family within the company that keeps that staff loyal and long-term.

“In Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, we’ve got two full routes, two girls per route, so four employees and they’ve all been with us over five years. And we’ve got two part-time employees who’ve been with us over two years.”

Michele Yonge has operated the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Molly Maid franchise since 2012, and the Burnaby franchise since 2004. Her daughter managed the office for several years before joining her as a joint owner of the franchises last year.

“The mother-daughter partnership is going very well. We feel lucky to be able to work together on a daily basis,” explains Michele Yonge. “Kylie has strong people and phone skills, while I bring bookkeeping and organizational skills to the franchise.”

The Yonges run both franchises, the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows and the Burnaby-New West, out of the Burnaby office, where they both live, but make regular weekly trips to Maple Ridge to meet with staff and customers.

The two service areas are quite different: Burnaby has an urban vibe; Maple Ridge a small-town community feel.

This has meant the interaction with customers in Maple Ridge is more personal.

“We are lucky that more of our customers are home when we are in their house cleaning and we have been able to build strong relationships with them,” says Michele Yonge.

“We’ve actually had quite a few of our Burnaby customers move to the Maple Ridge area. We are thrilled they would move and continue with us and our services.”

5 CONSUMER TIPS 1 2 When looking to hire a cleaning service, consumers should: Look for and read the service guarantee;

Eventually, they hope to open an office in Maple Ridge.

For Kylie, the transition from office staff to business ownership has provided an opportunity for learning.

“The learning curve was steep.

We are still learning every day,” she says. “The most rewarding part is being able to help so many people within our community for so many different reasons.”

Molly Maid, a Canadian company founded in 1979, is one of

Ask how they ensure dependability of service;

3

the most recognizable residential cleaning services and claims on its website to have completed over two million cleans every year worldwide.

For the Yonges, though, it is the company’s reputation for being a dependable and reliable that has kept them in the business so long.

“Molly Maid has a great brand with a tried-and-true system behind it. Our values line up and it was an easy match for us,” says

Check that the business is registered and contributing to the local economy;

4

Check for green products and procedures;

Kylie.

That system enables franchisees to operate their businesses smoothly and for clients to get their questions and concerns dealt with quickly. It also includes the element of future-proofing through offering opportunities for life-long learning, and networking.

“We go to seminars twice a year [spring and fall],” says Kylie Yonge. “Then every second year they have a convention as well.

There’re tons of information at them. And, it’s always nice to sit down with other franchise owners and you always learn stuff that other people are doing that you never thought of, or just share stories and ideas.”

One of the biggest trends in the cleaning industry is green cleaning. Molly Maid’s Green Housekeeping Program targets this trend with products and procedures designed to protect the health of clients’ families, including pets from harmful chemicals.

Not only are the products biodegradable but the procedures for using them are carbon-footprint sensitive.

“More and more people are calling and making sure we are using green products. It’s very important to a lot of our customers,” Kylie says As part of the Molly Maid franchise group, the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadow business offers an initial free, no-obligation, in-home estimate for their cleaning service.

Once hired, one of three teams of two women will arrive in a distinct blue Molly Maid-decaled car, bring all necessary cleaning equipment and supplies.

5

and check that their employees are bonded, insured for liability and WCB.

www.mapleridgenews.com

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

• Personalized service to meet your individual needs • Professionally trained, bonded and insured staff • Equipment and supplies provided

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B31

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The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

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COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 REAL ESTATE

RE/MAX, the REALTORS® you know and trust If there is one constant in the real estate market, it is change. And the past few years have seen some of the biggest changes of all, from bidding wars to the market stabilizing.

Now different levels of government have introduced new rules and legislation that have made real estate more complicated than ever before. But even with the new rules, and changing market, real estate, especially in B.C., is still one of the best investments you can make in a lifetime.

Ridge-Meadows RE/MAX Lifestyles Realty Manager Natalie Tarrant provides her expertise on where the market is heading, what the new rules mean to buyers and sellers and why it is so important to use a Realtor.

Challenges for buyers: With the market shifting to a more balanced state, buyers are able to slow down and take more time to make their decision. Inventory has increased with multiple offers being less prevalent than in our previous market.

Under the stress test, borrowers making a down payment of more than 20 per cent need to qualify at whichever is higher; the Bank of Canada’s five-year benchmark rate or the rate that’s on their contract plus 200 basis points. This has reduced the amount many buyers now qualify to borrow. The good news for buyers is that prices are also starting to decline.

Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows

seem to be declining at about half the rate as other areas to the west, according to some recent year-over-year comparisons, said Tarrant.

Why you need an expert Realtor: New legislation from the superintendent of real estate has created new challenges for purchasers and sellers.

Consumers will see new disclosure forms from Realtors that have been created to make the duties your Realtor can and can’t provide to you in their role either as your agent or with you being an unrepresented buyer or seller. We support the efforts of the superintendent in helping consumers make better informed choices with the available representation.

New initiatives such as the Foreign Buyers Tax, Speculation Tax, Vacant Homes Tax and Mortgage Stress Tests have increased the consumer’s need for a professional to protect their interests, and someone who understands the industry and all of the challenges to purchasing and selling a home.

Other changes include the end of what was known as Limited Dual Agency. As of June 15, 2018, the same Realtor can no longer represent both the seller and the purchaser in a real estate transaction. Prior to this, consumers could choose to enter in to a Limited Dual Agency position with the Realtor, as long as all parties to the real estate transaction agreed.

In most areas of British Colum-

purchase or sale seem as easy as possible. Our Realtors are committed to keeping up to date with all of the industry changes both on the consumer end and the regulator’s requirements. We consistently provide regular education for all our professionals to keep them up to date on the current and ever changing legislation, rules and requirements to best protect the consumer in what is often the biggest financial commitment of their lives. We endeavour to make the home selling and buying process as seamless as possible for our clients.

We are committed to being your trusted real estate source!

Natalie Tarrant bia, this is no longer allowed.

In some cases, consumers are not happy with this change as it takes away their perceived benefit of working with the listing Realtor. This change highlights the fact that it’s best for buyers and sellers to each have their own, separate representation when trying to purchase or sell a property.

Why choose RE/MAX? RE/MAX LifeStyles Realtors live and work in the Maple

Ridge community and believe in giving back. Over the years our RE/MAX Realtors have contributed generously to the Children’s Miracle Network.

Additionally, most of our Realtors spend a lot of their time volunteering in and around Maple Ridge, in a wide variety of areas.

At RE/MAX LifeStyles, our Realtors strive to provide exceptional service to our clients.

Helping you make your home

TIPS FOR SELLERS: Your Realtor should obtain a current copy of your Title Search and go over it with you when they list your property.

The Seller pays for the costs of clearing the financial charges from their title. This includes any mortgages or liens filed on your title. Additional adjustments will be made at closing time which include mortgage payout penalties, municipal tax and utility adjustments, strata fees, rent and damage deposit (if property is being sold with a tenant). This is just an example and not an exhaustive list of what costs you may endure at closing. Everyone’s selling situation is unique. It’s always a good idea to discuss this with your Realtor and your Real Estate lawyer ahead of time so there is no surprises.

5 CONSUMER TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME 1 2 3 4 5 Call your RE/MAX LifeStyles Professional

Repair the little things

De-clutter and de-personalize

Clean both inside and outside your home

Stage your home

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B33

Experience the RE/MAX® REALTOR® Difference!

Stephanie Anderton Weininger/ Anderton Team

Ron Antalek PREC*

Louise Antalek

Diana Barthels

Gordon Barthels

Tony Bell Chivers Bell Team

Anil Bharwani

Rose-Marie Bordeleau

Frank Budd

Don Carlson

Antalek Team

Licensed Assistant Antalek Team

John Cashin

Sherry Chen Fraipont Manyk Team

Glenn Chivers Chivers Bell Team

Josh Craig

Paul Craik

John Dale

Peter Dushop

Sarah Eales

Andrew Ellingson

Benjamin Forbes

PREC*

Ron Fraser

Helen Gambling

Sandy Hachey

Ryan Hartt

Justin Hennessey

Jan Hickman

Rob Jeeves

Adrian Keenan

David Kirkwood

R.P. Luke

Cory Lunsted

PREC*

Lorraine Manyk

PREC* Wyant Craig Team

Licensed Assistant Antalek Team

Fraipont Manyk Team

Erinn Mate Fraipont Manyk Team

Kelly Million

Debbie Sheppard

Terri Smith

Krista Sojka

Linda Soriano

PREC*

Maria Moudatsos

PREC*

PREC*

John O’Grady

PREC*

Johnny Pacheco

Ashley Pfeiffer

Terry Ruppel

Cassandra Rush

Jeff Weaver

Jim Williams

Rachael Wood

Sandra Wyant

PREC* Antalek Team

Samantha Spencer

Rob Swift

PREC*

Offices conveniently located in Maple Ridge and Langley Natalie Tarrant

General Manager

Rainer Weininger Realtor/Owner

Gary Fraipont

PREC*

PREC* Wyant/Craig Team

• Nobody sells more real estate • Access to specialized courses with in house training • Most productive agents in Western Canada

Interested? Contact Natalie Tarrant 604-513-2300

Realtor/Owner Fraipont Manyk Team

22308 Dewdney Trunk Rd, Maple Ridge 604.466.2838 #8 - 8880 202 Street, Langley 604.513.2300

Each office independently owned and operated *Personal Real Estate Corporation

B34 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

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COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 WINDOW COVERINGS

Knowledge and Service set Budget Blinds Apart It’s a concept that goes back to a level of service that has, to a large extent, been lost in today’s society.

Instead of traveling out to a large retail outlet, only to be confronted with limited selection and, at times, a sales staff that is woefully uninformed about the product they have for sale, Budget Blinds in Port Coquitlam has embraced the idea that meeting your needs requires personal attention.

Serving the communities of the Tri-Cities, Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge, the Budget Blinds team of sales representatives bring the showroom directly to the customer’s home, where they work with that client to ensure that the window coverings they choose are the right pick for their individual needs.

“Window coverings are interesting in that they have a definite design aspect, working to help create a specific feel for your home, office or place of business. But they also have a functional role, providing privacy, security, access to or control of the sunlight that floods through windows, and an ease of operation relative to the abilities and situation of the home owner,” explained Trish Kuffner, the owner and operator of Budget Blinds.

“It requires years of experience and an understanding of what’s available in the marketplace in order to best meet the needs of our customers. That’s what we provide, and I can tell you that our clients see the difference and

appreciate our service.”

Take, for example, something as simple as choosing a colour.

One might think that someone looking for window coverings would choose a colour to match or complement their decor, choose a product and ask for that colour.

It’s an approach that can be the recipe for a great deal of frustration and disappointment.

“A lot of people don’t realize that window coverings can pick up the colour of the light that is entering through the windows.

Something as simple as a certain type of tree outside a window can cause a reflection that alters the colour of the window covering, making it unsuitable for the space,” said Kuffner, adding that her staff are familiar with these sorts of strategies and go to great lengths to ensure that colour

selection is perfect.

Another aspect of the business is the selection of what kind of window covering is right for the needs of the client.

Today’s choices include a dizzying array of products that range from shutters to blinds, draperies and shades to roller shades made up of solar materials that allow clients to retain a scenic view while blocking sunlight’s harmful rays.

“One of the very popular products these days are automated window coverings.

A few years ago customers rarely even considered having this feature in their window coverings, but in our ever-more automated world, people want to be able to adjust their window coverings remotely using their smart phones,” said Kuffner.

“It can be a security

5 CONSUMER TIPS 1 2 3 Always seek the help of a professional.

These are materials you’ll have for a long time and mistakes can be a problem for years.

Take the time to learn what is available on the market. What you think you want may not be the best choice for your needs once you know all the options.

Consider the practical needs you have for your window coverings.

Is privacy the greatest concern or is it important to retain the view while blocking harmful UV rays?

consideration. A client can be on vacation in another part of the world and adjust their drapes or blinds remotely, giving the impression that someone is in the home.” Kuffner added that the automated feature is also a plus for an aging population or those with who may not feel comfortable with struggling with cords and other appliances to open and close their window coverings.

Families with young children often turn to automation as they child-proof their home as it eliminates dangerous cord loops that can pose a safety hazard for both kids and pets.

And as much as the automated aspect of window coverings is exploding as the price of that feature drops, there has been a simultaneous return to some more traditional window

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Do the window coverings you choose reflect your decor in type, colour, and material? Window covering are as much a part of the look of a room as the paint, artwork, decorations, and furnishings.

covering choices. “A lot of people are returning to the idea of drapes as the choices of fabrics and colours has never been greater.”

The key for Budget Blinds, maintains Kuffner, is truly caring about their customers. The company has earned a reputation for their professionalism and providing excellence in product and service, and they take a great deal of pride in that reputation.

“People have come to trust us, and we make sure that trust is not taken for granted. Many times a customer won’t have any idea of what they want when they call us in. We take the time to show them what’s available and help them choose a solution that matches both their needs and their budget. At Budget Blinds we truly do provide style and service for every budget!”

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Consider automation. It’s an added feature that can make the difference between liking and loving your new window coverings.

www.mapleridgenews.com

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B35

Everyday life just got easier.

With our Smart Home Collection by Budget Blinds®, the shades and blinds you already own just got a whole lot smarter. Because now we can motorize your existing window coverings with retrofit solutions. Motorization provides you with home security, child-safety and savings all at the touch of a button.

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© 2019 Budget Blinds, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Budget Blinds is a trademark of Budget Blinds, LLC and a Home Franchise Concepts Brand. Each franchise independently owned and operated

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COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 COUNTRY CLUB

Picturesque Swan-e-Set the perfect location for weddings and golf When it comes to having a fairy-tale wedding, it doesn’t get much more romantic than tying the knot at a chateau.

For those who can’t travel to Europe for such a venue, Swane-Set Bay Resort and Country Club offers the perfect setting for couples looking to create wedding perfection locally on their special day. Upwards of 120 couples each year turn to Swaneset to make the magic happen for their wedding.

The chateau-like building –with its grand staircase, intimate replaces, spacious ballroom, gorgeous grounds and sweepings vistas – is the ultimate destination-wedding location, right here at home. “Our guests tell us that Swaneset feels like a destination resort without the need to travel,” says company catering sales manager Holly Robinson. “It really is the perfect venue for anyone who wants to make their wedding truly special.”

Weddings are very important to the Swaneset family, and they go all out to ensure each occasion, big or small, becomes the memorable event that their clients expect.

The key to their success in becoming so popular with brides and grooms is the dedicated service offered by the team of wedding coordinators and every other member of the staff.

“We understand that most couples have little event planning experience, so any assistance we can give them is quite appreciated,” says Robinson. “We get to know our clients very well during the planning process, and that really helps us help them to personalize their wedding because we know what questions to ask.”

While the venue feels like a chateau, that doesn’t mean the weddings held there have to match that scale. Swaneset hosts every size of wedding, from small, intimate affairs of 50 to grand events featuring 350 guests for sit-down dinners.

Swaneset can even accommodate 550 or so for cocktail-type gatherings. And the beauty of it is you can hold both the ceremony and the reception in one truly special location. “It’s actually pretty rare in the Greater Vancouver area that one location can accommodate all aspects of a wedding event,” says Robinson.

Swaneset provides pretty much everything a couple could wish for, including locations for the wedding ceremony itself, the photo shoots, the reception, the dance floor, several bars, a kitchen that specializes in fresh, seasonal, made-from-scratch, culturally sensitive cuisine, and beautiful backdrops for all of this to happen.

Swaneset provides the venue, the set-up, and all the service staff necessary. It then works with couples to personalize their wedding, so their owers, their music, their cultural touches, and everything else they wish to incorporate in their special event, all blend seamlessly to ultimately create one memorable day.

Such service comes at a price, but Robinson notes that a Swaneset wedding may be more affordable than many people think.

“We’re actually pretty reasonably priced compared to a Vancouver wedding, for instance,” says Swaneset’s catering manager.

“We’re priced for the Fraser Valley, but you actually get the same service or better than you would

5 CONSUMER TIPS 1 2 Play your choice of two championship golf courses designed by Lee Trevino.

expect at one of the ner Vancouver wedding locations.” And because Swaneset is a year-round venue for weddings, couples on a budget can take advantage of off-season rates January through March, and in November, and they can get even better deals by booking midweek as opposed to weekends throughout the year. “Our goal is to be as accommodating as possible, so those couples who are exible with dates often get their fairy-tale wedding for much less than they ever expected. People really are quite shocked at how reasonable our off-season rates are.”

With the main wedding season drawing close, Swaneset is gearing up for another busy year. They have completed renovations to the bridal room which is now brand new and amazing! They are also re-painting the ballroom, and laying new carpet in several locations.

Keeping things fresh is just part of the service that Swaneset works hard to provide all of its guests.

Naturally, those guests don’t all be-

Swan-e-Set provides members and guests with the ultimate golf and resort experience.

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long to wedding parties as Swaneset is also a premier destination for golfers who come to enjoy the same beautiful amenities that attract those looking to tie the knot.

With a members-only lounge, the busy West Coast Grill, a huge patio, and two Lee Trevino- designed, 18-hole golf courses, it’s easy to see why golfers love Swaneset as much as the bridal set. Tim Fuchihara, director of golf, says the golfing is great at Swaneset these days. It may be a bit wet out there at times, but the staff is diligent in its ongoing efforts to ensure the courses are in tip-top condition year-round.

As a semi-public course, Swaneset attracts golfers of every kind, from those who are passionate for the game, to those who take in a tournament or two each year for business purposes. “Our knowledge and experience in helping corporate organizers plan great tournaments is one of the key reasons people seek out Swaneset for golfing opportunities,” says Fuchi-

Membership opportunities: join one membership play 72 holes of golf.

4

hara. “I’m very pleased to say our golfers consider the guest experience here to be first rate. They love the courses, the club house, the patio. But the service is definitely key.” He also notes that individual golf rates are very competitive for the Greater Vancouver area, while the tournament packages (for 50 to 288) are the same, so there’s something for everyone. “We’re always working to attract tournament play,” says Fuchihara. “Helping companies and community organizations plan the perfect event is a main goal for the golf side of our operation.” And in case you’re wondering, yes, there are still dates available in 2018 for those who want to host a tournament for their organization. Just call to find out more about how Swaneset can help.

So, whether you’re looking to plan the perfect wedding day, or the perfect day on the links, Swaneset Bay Resort and Country Club is definitely the place to play.

65,000 square foot, chateau-style clubhouse, 60 foot ceilings with reception seating from 50 to 250 guests.

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Our Wedding Expert is at your service and there to help inspire and guide your unique wedding vision.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY VANWEDDINGS

THE PLACE. THE FOOD. THE DRINK. THE AMBIANCE

SWANESET BAY

16651 RANNIE ROAD, PITT MEADOWS BC | 604.465.9380 www.swanesetevents.com

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COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 BEAUTIQUE

Cloud 9 Beautique: A Business Fueled by Passion Originally launched as Cloud Nine Nail Bar in November 2013, Cloud 9 Beautique in downtown Maple Ridge started as a chic nail bar.

The business quickly evolved into a full-service esthetic destination and MediSpa, and has further expanded into a dynamic training centre.

Cloud 9 Beautique is the proud co-creation of Chantal Schutz and Dr. Daniel Gouws. Schutz is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and a passionate entrepreneur.

Following a long career in corporate finance and accounting, in a primarily male dominated world, Schutz was prompted to make a career change, giving her the opportunity to focus on women and an industry aimed at helping them.

Cloud 9 presented an opportunity to make a change.

Gouws spent many years as a family doctor and an Occupational Medicine Expert and has spent the last 15 years indulging his roots as an artist, becoming a skilled and highly sought-after Cosmetic Injector.

Medical esthetics is an excellent bridge between the medical sciences and artistic expression. After many years at his location in west Maple Ridge, operating at Cross Road Skin Health & Laser Hair Removal Clinic, Gouws and his team saw an opportunity to broaden their reach and moved to the Cloud Nine Nail Bar space on 226th Street in Maple Ridge in 2014.

Following the successful transition, Gouws amalgamated his esthetics practice with the nail bar and the business became Cloud 9 Beautique Inc. “I’ve always been passionate about helping women achieve their dreams and goals throughout my career,” Schutz said.

The changes in the business over the years are a reflection of Schutz’s commitment and responsiveness to customer needs.

“When we first opened our doors we focused on nails,” Schutz added.

“Clients quickly started asking for more and more beauty services. They liked our professional attitude, attention to detail and, most importantly, our dedication to a clean, safe, and healthy environment.”

Today, Cloud 9 offers an entire range of beauty and medically directed esthetics services from nails, waxing, lash extensions and hair services, to laser hair removal, cosmetic injections and fillers, medically directed skin care, including facials, medical needling, skin tightening and skin and scar rejuvenation.

Cloud 9 lives up to its name.

“Clients tell us that when they leave, they feel like they are on cloud nine.

They know our staff are entirely committed to providing them the best service possible,” Schutz said.

Says Gouws: “There are a lot of misconceptions and a lack of consumer knowledge when it comes to esthetic medical injections and skin treatments. Our team of trained and certified medical estheticians, pride our-

5 CONSUMER TIPS 1 2 Make sure the service provider is credentialed.

Don’t be afraid to ask.

selves on making client education and knowledge a focus of our practice.”

In early 2016, Cloud 9 expanded the physical location, taking over two retail spaces next door to the original nail bar.

The location is beautiful – bright, clean, spacious and elegant, the quintessential “Tiffany Box.” The warm and professional staff and attention to detail in the blue and white décor contribute to a sense of a calming oasis.

Clients can expect reasonably priced services, and no compromise in the areas of professionalism, expertise, and cleanliness.

As the business evolved, Schutz and her team noticed that there was a was a significant gap in the marketplace for training. Finding well-trained, competent staff who shared their values related to excellence, customer service and kindness became a challenge.

Schutz and Gouws share a passion for life-long learning and it seemed like an exciting and challenging next step to open Academy by Cloud 9, a training academy allowing Cloud 9 Beautique to become a leader in training and shaping the next generation of Nail Techs.

In September 2017, the training division was launched. The program

Tools, equipment and working spaces should be clean and clear of clutter.

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includes all aspects of manicures, pedicures, UV Gel extension, waxing, tinting, salon business management, communication, and customer service, as well as a brief introduction to Medical Esthetics and Injections. The first five students graduated in early 2018 with a new cohort starting in April.

It is a 400-hour program that teaches students all components of nail care, waxing and general esthetics services.

Jacynyhe Richards is the Director of Education for the training academy.

Richards has more than 40 years of experience working directly in salons, salon ownership, and training students. She has a passion for teaching her students and is excited about the future of Academy by Cloud 9.

Richards is from Quebec, where the beauty industry is fully regulated and students are required to complete a two-year program to work within the industry.

Students at the academy are motivated people looking to make a career change, and who love the beauty and fashion industry. The desire to make people feel good is also a shared trait amongst applicants. Throughout the program students have the opportunity to work within a full-service, oper-

Develop a relationship and build a rapport by booking with the same service provider.

4

ating salon. This gives them a chance to quickly translate the skills they are learning in the classroom to a real-life hands-on practical experience.

The program at the academy is based on the core values of the business.

“Our core values are simple: kindness, excellence, and cleanliness. People are the cornerstone to our success and this value is evident in all areas of the business and the academy,” Schutz said.

Gouws echoes these sentiments.

“We care about the people we serve. From our staff, who deserve a great working environment, to our students, who deserve a reasonably priced program with opportunity for hands-on training, to our clients, who can rest assured that they will leave feeling better than when they walked in. We live our values.”

Cloud 9 Beautique is located on 226th Street. The business offers a robust online booking service at www. cloud9beautique.com Those interested in the Academy by Cloud 9 can find program registration information on the website. The business is also active on social media and can be found on Facebook and Instagram.

Communicate your needs and share important health information or specific products you are using.

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Remember, your skin is like your teeth: a bi-annual cleaning is great, but you need to do daily maintenance at home.

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102 - 11882 226th Street Maple Ridge, BC

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COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 EDUCATION

Kids become confident learners at James Cameron School Severely dyslexic child learns to read within weeks of attending JCS. For more than 30 years, James Cameron School has taken great pride in delivering quality education to elementary children who have been diagnosed with a specific learning disorder, such as dyslexia.

This is done by following the Ministry of Education curriculum taught with adaptations and accommodations to maximize student success.

Methodology matters, said James Cameron School Principal Penny Shepherd-Hill. The school recognizes that the brain is not hardwired for the cultural inventions of reading and writing.That said, there are “significant and even difficult implications for the fact that reading is not hardwired the way language is” (Wolfe, 2018), especially for those with neurological signatures characterized by dyslexia, said Shepherd-Hill.

It might easily be assumed that reading disorders are intrinsic to the child because the majority of students respond to current educational practices and seem to learn with apparent ease; however, research provides evidence to show that by making changes in instructional methodologies, reading and spelling performance of students at risk for literacy difficulties can improve and in fact accelerate the reading growth of all students.

James Cameron School recognizes that some students require greater assistance, explicit and systematic instruction, to assist

the formation of their reading circuit.

The school’s purpose is to help students who struggle with reading, writing and spelling reach their true potentials. Like all of us, students at James Cameron have great strengths and weaknesses.

Often students who come to James Cameron School have suffered school-based trauma. That is, their difficulties have not been understood.

Shepherd-Hill urges parents to trust their instincts. Dyslexia and other learning disorders are often heritable and usually parents know instinctively if their child is struggling.

Mike and Stephanie Gasparre can attest to the challenging journey faced by parents. In 2016 their son Nick was misdiagnosed.

“We were told that there was no diagnosis for Nick and that he was just a slow learner,” said Stephanie.

One week after this conversation Stephanie wrote a letter to the psychologist insisting that Nick has some sort of a learning disability and he needs an Individual Education Plan to get by, “at the very least.” He was then

5 TIPS FOR PARENTS 1 2 Early assessment means early intervention.

diagnosed with MID - a mild intellectual disability.

But Shepherd-Hill offers this analogy to explain how this is the wrong diagnosis.

“How can a child come to school understanding the rules of lacrosse and be able to scoop, pass, cradle, and shoot yet be diagnosed with a MID?” said Shepherd-Hill. “Additionally, lacrosse requires an understanding of checking and dodging which demonstrates higher cognitive thinking and reasoning.”

Nick continued grade 3 with a lot of stress and anxiety, said his parents. Stephanie and Mike were heartbroken watching their son struggle.

“In the spring of grade 4, we got Nick tested privately only to discover that he is severely dyslexic,” said his mom Stephanie.

Mike said testing is very expensive and should be publicly funded. They worry the cost may be prohibitive for some parents who won’t get that important diagnosis for their child.

James Cameron School specializes in helping students with dyslexia.

“James Cameron School has been an absolute blessing,” said

Parents, trust your instincts.

You know what’s best for your child.

3

Stephanie. “James Cameron has given Nick the confidence that he was always searching for. He often wished he’d be able to read one day- James Cameron made his wish come true,” said Stephanie.

“Nick is a much happier child all around. He still wishes for two days a week of school but his stress has lowered by 100 per cent.”

James Cameron School’s philosophy is one of inclusion, said Shepherd-Hill.

She believes inclusion is not happening in the public school system.

In the public school system, students with learning disabilities like dyslexia feel isolated and stressed, said Shepherd-Hill.

“They sit at their desks and everyone around them seems to read and write with ease. They cannot help but wonder, ‘what is wrong with me?’ My students do not need fixing, there is nothing wrong with them. Their brains are wired differently and with explicit and systematic instruction their reading and writing circuitry forms,” she said.

At James Cameron, they normalize learning differences. In

Pay attention to difficulty with fine motor skills, such as using scissors or tying shoelaces.

4

other words, everyone at JCS has a specific learning disorder, which creates a safe place to be accepted and a safe place to be ‘yourself.’ In so doing, executive functioning space is freed up so students can actually learn.

“My students spend an exorbitant amount of energy trying to hide in plain sight when they are in a general education class,” she added. “They do not have to hide at JCS.” Shepherd-Hill continues to advocate to the government that JCS should be 100% publicly funded.

“In the province of B.C. you can choose to put your child in French immersion, you can choose to put your child in a Fine Arts School or perhaps a school with a hockey academy. Why isn’t there a choice for dyslexics?”

James Cameron School is located at 20245 Dewdney Trunk Rd. in Maple Ridge but students from all over the Lower Mainland go there. If you want to know more about the school, would like a tour or to speak about your child’s needs with Principal Penny Shepherd-Hill, call the school at 604-465-8444 or go to the website at www.jcs.bc.ca.

Be aware of family history of difficulties with spelling, reading, writing or math.

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Educate yourself.

Understand what the signs mean.

Children don’t grow out of learning disorders such as dyslexia.

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We help your child grow from to Empowering children with learning disabilities to achieve their potential since 1980 604-465-8444

jcsadmin@jcs.bc.ca www.jcs.bc.ca 20245 Dewdney Trunk Road Maple Ridge, BC, V2X 3C9

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COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 DENTISTRY

Pediatric dentists treat kids like they were their own Dr. Nancy Vertel’s approach to pediatric dentistry has its roots in becoming a mother herself. She realized that children represented a different set of challenges in the way they cope with dental treatment and that even a single negative experience can have lifelong repercussions to the young patient.

It wasn’t always that way.

“We have parents come to us because they had a bad experience when they were young and they don’t want the things that happened to them to happening to their own children,” explained Dr. Vertel, the head of Maple Ridge Dentistry for Kids.

“It’s interesting that all of our dentists are mothers themselves.

We put ourselves in our clients shoes and treat them with care and understanding that is based on our experience and understanding.”

Pediatric dentistry requires all the advanced skills of a regular dentist, but Dr. Vertel maintains that those skills have to be coupled with a deep understanding of childhood development, and the limits that children have when coping with stressful situations. It requires 3 extra years of full-time training after completion of dental school and certification that has qualified Dr. Vertel and her associates as Certified Specialists in the fields of pediatric dentistry.

“The skill set goes beyond dentistry and into an understanding of the behavioural factors involving children,” she said.

The service provided has earned the business a good reputation in Maple Ridge, where the practice already counts about one-sixth of all the children in the city as patients. That number has developed, not only from the word-of-mouth testimonials of parents to their counterparts in the community, but from the recognition by other dentists who value the specialized service.

“Regular dentists often find children to be very challenging,” said Dr. Vertel.

“A lot of children are showing much more tooth decay than we might have seen in years past, as a changing diet, the prevalence of sugary soft drinks, frequent snacks and a lack of appropriate brushing and flossing have all combined to create a challenging situation for children’s dental health. When a dentist sees a young patient with serious

5 CONSUMER TIPS 1 2 Get started early.

Children can be getting checkups by the age of one to get them accustomed and comfortable with the dentist.

problems, they realize that it would be best for them to be referred to our service where we have the expertise to address the situation.”

Dr. Vertel said that parents are also learning that it’s wise to bring their children in early – when they are as young as a year old – so that they develop a familiarity and comfort level with their “dental home.”

She said that children become comfortable with the environment in the dental office, and that feeling can have long-term benefits when and if more serious treatment is necessary.

“Even when we do have to do some work with our young patients, we do so in a way that never instills fear or discomfort. We don’t even mention needles, for example, preferring to use methods like mild to moderate oral sedation, or even general anesthesia.”

Diet is important.

Avoid sugary drinks and between-meal snacks.

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Dr. Vertel also said other factors are taken into account and that the dentists at Maple Ridge Dentistry for Kids have specialized skills that allow them to deal with children with special needs, and even respond to children with language barriers.

“We have staff who can speak to children in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and even Arabic. That can make a tremendous difference in creating confidence and

Teach your children to brush and floss. It’s a lifetime habit that can’t begin too young.

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diminishing fears in children who need to understand what’s happening to them.”

The practice at Maple Ridge Dentistry for Kids goes beyond just regular checkups and dentistry services.

Specialized staff with pediatric dentistry training have the ability to deal with orthodontic challenges facing your child’s teeth, and any jaw and facial development problems that may be developing.

“Orthodontic treatments are always specifically designed to suit our patient, including children and teens with special needs. There are a lot of different treatments available, from braces to removable appliances, such as retainers, and we’ll always explain to the young patient which options are best for them and why. And we do it in a way they can understand.”

Dr. Vertel said that it’s an approach that requires a great deal of trust, confidence and comfort with your dental professional.

“A child needs to understand what’s being done, and what’s happening as the treatment progresses,” said Dr. Vertel.

“The approach at Maple Ridge Dentistry for Kids is for our staff to treat every child as though they were their own. We help children understand the importance of dental health and are really there to educate them about how to stay healthy for the rest of their lives. We’re building a foundation that will last a lifetime, and that’s so important.”

Regular checkups are just as important for children as they are for adults. Don’t wait for a problem to develop.

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Children react best to specially trained pediatric dental care givers.

Take the time to choose your dentist carefully.

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B43

Maple Ridge Dentistry for Kids is the first Pediatric Dental Office in the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows area...

We know kids!

Dental Visits

Orthodontics Find treatments to correct your child’s teeth, jaw and facial developmental problems.

Whether it’s your child’s first dental visit or first visit to a pediatric dentist, we will make it an enjoyable and positive experience.

22420 Dewdney Trunk Rd, Maple Ridge (Beside Trevor Linden Club 16 gym)

www.mapleridgedentistry4kids.com

Pediatric Dentistry Services We offer dental care that caters to every child’s unique needs.

No referral needed.

604-349-5430

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COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 BUTCHER

Hopcott Meats a cut above A third-generation family-run farm.

The sign at Hopcott Meats reads, “Know your farmer. Know your food.”

It’s the philosophy that the Hopcotts live by.

“We are a third-generation family-run butcher shop located on our family farm in Pitt Meadows,” said Jenn Hopcott, daughter of ‘Farmer’ Bob Hopcott.

All the Hopcotts live and work on the family farm.

From the natural, hormone-free beef that comes from their farm, to locally sourced produce, farmgrown no-spray berries and baked goods and cheeses, Hopcotts has become a one-stop destination for locals and visitors alike since opening in 2006.

“The farm has evolved over time.

My childhood, growing up, we had a much larger head of cattle, but now our focus is keeping the farm smaller for better animal welfare and a higher-level product,” said Jenn Hopcott.

She runs the store and bistro, while her dad and two brothers, Travis and Brad, run the beef operations on the farm. Mother Debbie is behind the scenes, but you can buy her delicious selection of fudge at the store.

“Farming is rewarding. It’s been really great to see our kids continue in the farming tradition,” said Bob. “We like that we can share the fruits of our labour with our community.”

The Hopcotts have always sold beef from the farm. The whole family have been strong advocates of eating local, supporting fellow farmers and strengthening community partnerships. That’s why

they opened up the Hopcott Meats store in 2006, fronting Dewdney Trunk Road.

It was an instant success with locals. “My dad’s passion is beef,” Jenn said.

He reduced the amount of steers he had by more than half and carefully selected three ranches to buy from, where he knows how the cattle are raised and what they were fed.

“A lot of beef on the market is bought at auction, but it’s much harder to track where it’s from and what it’s been fed or implanted with. With our beef, we have traceability and know how they have been treated before they came to us.

“And it’s just my dad and two brothers taking care of the steers, which adds to the consistency of our meat.” The steers are ethically raised and treated very well on the family farm, she said.

They are fed non-GMO corn and grass that is grown on the farm.

They finish off the feed with grain, which makes the beef taste sweeter and produces a higher grade cut.

“We just prefer the taste of grainfed beef,” said Jenn.

Their beef is consistently scored with a triple-A rating from outside sources, truly making Hopcotts meats a cut above.

“We also dry-age our meat. This is a lost art. It’s not economical to do because you lose poundage when you dry age it for 21 to 28 days. But it tenderizes our meat.

We have dry-aged our prime rib for 45 days on a request,” said Jenn.

In fact, Hopcott’s is a butcher shop that can customize any order, including specialized cuts of meat and how long you want it aged for.

They use the ‘old school’ butchery techniques resulting in amazing cuts of beef.

“We also use the whole animal,”

said Jenn. “That’s why you will see lots of beef all over our deli and store, like our beef pepperoni sticks.”

Many Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows residents won’t buy their meat anywhere else. Some people drive from as far as North Vancouver or Aggasiz to Hopcotts. On any given weekend in spring or summer, you’d be hard-pressed to find a parking spot at the Hopcotts, as locals get all their fixings for the weekend barbecues and celebrations.

The Hopcotts outgrew their space. So in 2015, they expanded to 15,000 square feet, adding a professional kitchen and farm to plate bistro, open seven days a week for lunch. The bistro is quickly getting known for their soups. Their chef creates mouth-watering dishes and comfort foods that bring visitors from all around.

Believing in farm to table life-

style, the Hopcotts put on an annual long table dinner that sells out every year. This year’s long table is Sept. 21.

They also host cooking classes that feature changing local chefs.

“We are very proud of our farm and what we are doing here. On our shelves, you will see almost exclusively local products from farmers and makers, from local barbecue sauce to salsas,” she said. “We love that we have met the people who make the products we sell and that we are supporting local producers.”

What many may not know is that the Hopcotts have been farming their land for over 80 years The Hopcott farm was purchased in 1932 by Fred and Jane Hopcott. Son Bob took over. But in 1996, the Hopcotts needed to diversify when the US stopped taking Canadian beef. They turned 70 acres into cranberry bogs, selling their cranberries to Ocean Spray.

“Cranberries kind of saved our farm,” said Jenn.

In 2000, they diversified again, creating Meadow Maze, which was a fun, family entertainment destination with rides, slides, petting zoo and more. Meadows Maze was open for 17 years, but with the family taking on more significant roles in the beef and cranberry parts of the business, it was with heavy hearts that the decision was made to close the maze. But since then, they have upgraded the facilities to now offer the location as a farm wedding destination.

In 2006, Hopcott Meats opened at 18385 Old Dewdney Trunk Road. The Hopcotts continue to serve their community and are grateful to the residents for supporting them all these years.

5 CONSUMER TIPS FOR PURCHASING BEEF 1 2 3 4 5 Our beef from Hopcotts is never implanted with growth hormones or steroids;

Our beef is sourced locally from one of three B.C. ranches and raised on the family farm ethically and with low stress;

Our beef is fed non-GMO corn grown on the Hopcott farm, along with a high fibre vegetarian diet;

Our beef is antibiotic-free;

Our beef is dryaged for 21 to 28 days for natural tenderization.

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COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 BEEKEEPING

Golden Meadows – More than another honey shop Beekeeping provides philosophy behind community building for couple.

Community is important to the Hall family and has been a major driving force behind the success of its new business.

Opened in 2018, Golden Meadows Honey Farm, the home of West Coast Bee Supply, has an operational model identical to the tiny insects upon which the business depends.

“Bees work as a community.

They each have their responsibility, jobs to fulfill, and no role is better or more important than the other,” says Christian Hall. “They wouldn’t survive without each other.”

The Halls have worked hard to put this philosophy into action.

Since opening their storefront in a local fruit stand in Pitt Meadows, the Halls have hosted several themed events designed to support local artisans, producers, and businesses while celebrating farm to table beliefs.

“I really believe in the power of community,” Lidia Hall says.

“I think it’s important for us to be able to support each other in what we’re doing, I feel this will bring success within our community.”

That success, she says, will continue as most of the vendors who participated last year have signed up to do so again for this year’s events. Vendor application forms are available to download on the website: www. goldenmeadowshoneyfarm.ca.

The spring market is scheduled for April 7 while the summer

markets begin June 9, continuing every second Sunday through the season.

The interest in bees started as a hobby for her husband a number of years ago, says Hall. That interest grew, transitioning into a desire to create his own apiary, which led to a business.

“At the end of 2017, Christian was given the opportunity to buy a beekeeping supply company.

He asked me if I wanted to and

I said no,” she laughs. “Then he said, well maybe we could sell honey and gifts, and I thought, oh, okay. I make aromatherapy jewelry and I thought it would be a great way to combine the things we love together.”

The Halls consider education to be part of community building and will be hosting a Basic Beekeeping Course, March 15 to

17, for those wishing to become backyard beekeepers. “We’ve collaborated with the Honeybee Centre (Surrey) to provide a place on this side of the river,” she says.

Registration for the course, as well as the purchase of any beekeeping supplies, including bees, can be done at the store or by on-line sales through their

5 BENEFITS OF SHOPPING LOCAL 1 2 3 4 You will be supporting our local economy

You will know where the product is produced and may be able to visit the farm

You will be lowering the carbon footprint of food production

You will be able to developing and building relationships within our community

website.

The Halls produce their own honey, including Fireweed Honey, “it is considered to be the Champagne of Honey”, says Lidia. Although Fireweed Honey is very popular for its taste and medicinal qualities, it is considered rare because it involves timing and the physical moving of the hives. “They are moved to B.C. back country, where Fireweed grows, away from pollution providing an optimal natural environment for our bees”, says Christian.

One of the benefits of eating local honey, Hall says, is that it will help with seasonal allergies, local raw honey naturally contains pollen therefore providing us with a natural remedy, acting like a booster.

Besides the honey, the retail store offers the work of local crafts people and artisans yearround. During the summer the store will take on a bit of its previous incarnation as a fruit stand by offering blueberries for sale.

The diversification of the new venture has paid off. “We have been welcomed by the beekeeping community as well as the local community,” she says.

“We live in an amazing place that supports small businesses.”

Building a community, where no contributor is more important than another, and each makes a meaningful contribution to the whole, is what the Hall family envision for Golden Meadow’s Honey Farm. The market business model, they believe, will bring a success that can be shared by the whole community.

5

You will be eating food that tastes and is nutritionally better for you

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B47

GOLDEN MEADOWS HONEY FARM

HOME OF WEST COAST BEE SUPPLY

SUMMER MARKET

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COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 LAND DEVELOPMENT

Power digging and tank cleaning Mike Ferg is a one-stopshop for your septic tank, excavation needs.

Back in 1987, Mike Ferg first established Ferg’s Power Digging and started Meadow Ridge Tank Cleaning to help services a few years later.

Each of them uses shared knowledge and resources to provide the citizens in and around the Maple Ridge area with excellent service in their many housing or land development needs.

“We do a little bit of everything,” said Ferg. “We do landscaping, sewer connections, foundations, septic design, water lines, and more. We can essentially build a house from start to finish.”

In the several decades, Ferg has been in business he has seen many changes come in and completely change the way the industry works.

“All the standards have changed quite a bit,” he said. “It used to be so relaxed and mellow back in the day, but now it’s all changed. You have to keep yourself updated or else you won’t be working.”

Having been in the Maple Ridge community for so long, Ferg has had the opportunity to get to know and develop close long term relationships with his

“We can essentially build a house from start to finish” – Ferg’s Power Digging and Meadow Ridge Tank Cleaning owner Mike Ferg

customers, suppliers and other industry professionals in the area which is a reflection on my prices.

“I have been doing this for over 30 plus years, and in that time I’ve worked with a lot of people,” he said. “Usually, I’ve found that if you include local people and work with them long enough, then they’ll give you a decent deal and you’ll always know what you’re getting with them. So instead of working with someone who you don’t know anything about and have no idea what they’re going to charge you for their product, I know exactly what I’m getting with each of them.

“Having such longevity in a company really makes a difference to customers, because they know that the product

5 CONSUMER TIPS 1 2 get multiple quotes;

they are going to get isn’t going to be substandard and it’s going to follow all of the codes which keep changing all of the time,” he said.

Ferg has been able to operate such successful businesses despite the fact that there are

don’t necessarily go with the cheapest option;

3

a few other companies who often undercut him in price. This is partly due to the fact that he believes that the quality of the work that you do is far more important than how much it costs.

“Everybody always wants a

make sure you are comparing apples to apples;

4

take a look at the quality of each contractor’s past projects;

deal, but you have to be aware that you get what you pay for,” he said.

When getting a quote for a job, other companies will give you quotes for inferior products compared to quality. They will offer cheaper prices, hidden charges to get extras for the job which should be included in the quote. But then they end up getting the contract anyways because they cheaper, even though they are not offering nearly as much as the other guy.”

Another contributor to the fact that Ferg’s Power Digging and Meadow Ridge Tank Cleaning have remained so successful is because, as Ferg explains, they don’t have any direct competition to deal with.

“I’m a one stop shop and if you work with me I can usually help you with your needs from start to finish. If there’s something that I can’t handle myself then I will know someone who I regularly work with who can.”

If you ever find yourself in need of septic tank, excavation, trucking services, then you can contact Ferg. As part of the business model, these companies are there for you whenever you need them.

“We’re a 24/7 service, so if any of my customers ever have an issue then they can call me, and I make sure to always have my phone with me to help them out,” said Ferg.

Both Ferg’s Power Digging and Meadow Ridge Tank Cleaning are located at 12700, 246 Street, Maple Ridge.

5

consider how long the company has been in business.

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B49

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COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE | 2019 NOTARY

Nicole MacDonald Notary has expanded her team to better serve the community Nicole MacDonald has built her successful Pitt Meadows notary business on the idea of helping people through the stresses of life’s major transitions.

Maybe that’s because transitions are something she knows more than a bit about.

In 2012, she left an eight-year career in the Vancouver Police Department after a life-altering eye injury to her husband, fellow VPD member Garett MacDonald, and the birth of her two daughters.

“We had to reassess,” she notes.

She went back to school to get her masters degree from Simon Fraser University’s Applied Legal Studies program to become a notary when her daughters were just one and two years old.

“I don’t know what I was thinking,” she jokes.

But MacDonald knew exactly what she was doing and she’s never regretted the decision. After finishing at SFU, she and Garett opened Nicole MacDonald Notary in 2013.

She began with just herself and one other employee. Now, after almost six years of operation, her family-run business has five fulltime staff and three contract employees.

“I’m so proud of our team,” she says. “We have an awesome staff.”

Nicole is especially excited to have hired Tad Gagracz, a notary public who graduated in June 2018 with a masters in Applied Legal Studies from SFU, and is fluent in Polish.

Tad is a great addition to the team. With two notaries the firm is

“I am blessed to work, live and play in this great community.

It is the amazing people that make it so special.” – Nicole MacDonald co-owner of Nicole MacDonald Notary

better able to service the needs and schedules of clients. Tad is especially focused and interested in real estate conveyancing.

Nicole’s office, atop the Pitt Meadows library building at No. 304 –12099 Harris Road, is in the heart of the community she and her husband moved to over a decade ago. And the location is no accident. She wanted a place where she and her employees could walk to work and to easily drop their kids off at the nearby schools.

“There may have been bigger and fancier locations elsewhere, but it was important to us to be able to work here, serve here and raise my

family here, she says. “I am so grateful for the community support. Pitt Meadows is gem of a place.”

She also wanted her business located within walking distance of downtown to be accessible to seniors and those with limited mobility – a particular passion of hers.

The needs of this vulnerable population are what drove MacDonald to become a notary in the first place.

Both her grandmothers had dementia, so having power of attorney helped relieve stress for her family at an emotional time. As well, she had a cousin who was struck by cancer early in her adulthood and remembers the relief when a notary made the trip to help with the stressful paperwork.

“I know the importance of this work first-hand.” she says. “I believe in it.”

Nicole MacDonald Notary is a fully functioning notary public office. It does real estate transactions,

representative agreements, notarizations, powers of attorney and wills.

Still, Nicole remains passionate about working with those who have limited mobility and travels to hospitals, homes and hospice locations to assist families during what is often one of the toughest moments of their lives.

“That’s where my heart lies,” she says.

“It’s ironic, people think this work is so different from policing, but I find that both are dealing with people in high stress situations.”

She also has some ongoing support of her own.

Her husband, and business partner Garett works for the Vancouver Police Department, with which he’s now an 18-year veteran, but he still assists with office management and operations.

“I am really lucky,” Nicole says. “I can concentrate on being the notary

5 CONSUMER TIPS FOR WRITING A WILL: 1 2 3 4 Keep it simple.

Select a local notary or lawyer you are comfortable with, and trust.

My office provides you with a simple checklist to get you started. Don’t think of it as home work.

Fill out what you can, and we will help you with the rest.

Make the best decisions for today. We want to include alternate decisions such as who will be executor, beneficiaries or guardians but it’s too overwhelming to ‘what if’ every scenario or you will never get a will started.

Review your will every few years, or during a major life event, to make sure it is still current and matches your wishes.

I am happy to review your will to make sure it complies with current legislation and is a valid Will.

and he helps with the staffing. It’s so important to put proper processes in place so I can still be a mom and help out with my family and do all the things that you have to do not to burn out.”

Not that the MacDonalds slow down when they are outside of the office. Nicole is on the board of the Ridge Meadows Hospice Society and, Garett, who was once drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers and coached college hockey, now coaches his young daughter’s Baracuddas hockey team.

Nicole’s latest endeavor is as a councillor with the City of Pitt Meadows. This is a significant commitment, and it is her family, office team, and network of family friendships that helps her achieve the balance needed and to serve the community. I am blessed to work, live and play in this great community. It is the amazing people that make it so special.

5

Communicate with your loved ones.

Discuss your wishes and write down any specific instructions about everything from small items you want to gift to funeral arrangements.

The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News

www.mapleridgenews.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 B51

Compassionate and Professional Legal Services ■ Purchases ■ Sales ■ Refinances ■ Wills ■ Powers of Attorney ■ Representation Agreements ■ Notarizations

NICOLE MACDONALD NOTARY PUBLIC - M.A.

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TAD GAGRACZ NOTARY PUBLIC - M.A.

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B52 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

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