Best of the Peninsula: Peace Arch News readers have spoken. This edition, we bring you our annual Readers Choice winners, featuring the best of the Semiahmoo Peninsula in a range of categories — including food, shopping, recreation, services and more. See the special section inside.
› See pages B1 to B28
Festive holiday shopping crawl set for uptown
Alex Browne
An upbeat public event aimed at activating business in the Five Corners and Uptown areas of White Rock in time for the December holiday season will make its debut on Saturday, Nov. 16.
Meant to compliment – but not supplant – the long-established Christmas on the Peninsula, which returns as usual at the end of the month, the newly minted Festive Holiday Shopping Crawl is aimed to focus public attention on shopping local stores, according to city councillor Ernie Klassen, lead organizer and originator of the event.
Choirs, live music, special offers at businesses open later than usual, a tree-lighting ceremony at Five Corners and a traditional German Christmas display at the plaza next to Oceana PARC will also be part of the city-endorsed event, Klassen said.
“My intention was to support the local businesses at a time when they are facing a number of challenges, including the reconstruction of Johnston Road,” said Klassen, who noted the event
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is a collaboration of White Rock BIA and Oceana PARC, as well as community leaders and individual businesses.
“The Christmas season is the make-or-break for local business,” added Klassen, himself a business owner in the neighbourhood (Ashberry & Logan Floral Design).
“I was able to secure donations of $15,000 to purchase big wreaths for the city to be placed up and down Johnston Road in place of the hanging baskets.
“I was also able, through the Peninsula Arts and Cultural Alliance, to approach the city to put coloured lights in the large tree at Five Corners, to make something different from the white lighting that’s there the rest of the year.
“That will become the old-fashioned traditional Christmas tree down there, distinct from the Christmas tree that will be at Miramar Plaza.”
The Festive Holiday Shopping Crawl will start at 4 p.m. with the lighting of the newly decorated tree at Five Corners by Mayor
‘Hanging coffee’ helps feed the hungry in White Rock
Sobia Moman
“Why not?”is the attitude of two people who have started a program in White Rock that provides food from local businesses straight to the hands of those struggling with affordability.
Bryan Fast, a White Rock resident, was inspired to start a “Hanging Coffee” initiative in the city, one that has spread to other communities in various countries.
Fast learned of the program through social media, which encourages customers who are able to, to purchase an extra item while visiting an eatery but instead of taking the item, offering it to the Hanging Coffee wall.
Now in operation at Hillcrest Bakery and Deli, the donated receipts appear on a wall in the café and individuals who are experiencing homelessness or struggling immensely with affording food are able to claim a receipt and have the paid-for item.
“I see these people walking around with shopping carts and sleeping in little cubbies and I just think, why not try to make their lives a little bit easier,” Fast explained.
Several receipts can be seen at Hillcrest for various items – sandwiches, soups, rolls and even some desserts – iving choice to those who come in for the program.
Fast posted to social media to gauge interest from businesses and then made his way around to local spots with informational posters, urging them to consider participating.
“Unfortunately, the only on that expressed interest – and in fact, she’s been a dynamo – is Michelle at Hillcrest Bakery and Deli, and she jumped in with both feet.”
Michelle Wallace, the manager of Hillcrest, saw Fast’s post online and immediately knew she wanted to get involved.
For the manager, the initiative hits close to home.
“I’ve been close to where they are when my husband left me and I had two little kids, so I get it, and if it weren’t for the kindness of others who left groceries on my doorstep…” Wallace’s voice trailed off, holding back tears.
After meeting with Fast and speaking with the bakery’s owners, the program was already afoot before officially starting, thanks to the sharp hearing of a table of four women.
Wallace and Fast discussed the parameters of the initiative at Hillcrest, leading a table of nearby women to donate money immediately, expressing what a wonderful idea it was.
“I had receipts before I even had the program going,” Wallace said with glee.
Getting the word out to vulnerable residents has been showing slow progress as Fast put a sign advertising the program inside the Little
Free Pantry that offers free food items, donated by the community, food banks or businesses, for the taking in White Rock.
“While I was there, there was a gentleman there before me with a bike and he went in and grabbed one thing…so to people who are cynical and say, ‘Oh, people are going to come in and claim all of the receipts,’” Fast said.
“Well, this thing is filled with food and this guy reached in and took an apple, that’s all he took. He didn’t take everything.”
He then told the man about Hillcrest’s program, and later that day, the man on the bike became the bakery’s first recipient.
“Everyone’s been very appreciative, and I’ve only had four so far, but nobody has been rude about it,” Wallace shared.
The focus now is on not only spreading the word to those who could use it, but those who could contribute to it.
Getting other businesses involved is crucial, the two stressed.
“Some of them are reluctant, and I understand, I know what the misgivings are, but I did a lot of research online of other cities that have this in place, and all the reports are very
positive with very few problems,” Fast said.
“The potential benefits of this program outweigh the potential risks. Any program, any initiative has risks, and if we let that scare us, we would never act on anything.”
With affordability being at the top of most people’s concerns across the province, Fast and Wallace emphasized that no area of the province is exempt from seeing struggling individuals.
“I know there are food banks and other places, but you can never have too many opportunities for these people that are down on their luck to take advantage of. It could very well be me,” Fast said.
From Wallace comes a plea to business owners to join the cause and implement the program. “Why not?” she says.
“Just get on board. These people – it could be you.
“We never think it’s going to be us but it could be you.
“You just don’t know what’s around the corner, you could be one step away from this, so help.
“It doesn’t hurt.”
NOVEMBER COMMUNITY EVENTS
Michelle Wallace and Bryan Fast have teamed up to start an initiative in White Rock to help feed those who are struggling with affordability. (Sobia Moman/Peace Arch News)
The ‘hanging coffee’ wall at Hillcrest Bakery and Deli lets customers purchase a meal for someone in need of food. (Sobia Moman/Peace Arch News)
Peninsula stays blue as B.C. turns orange
Sobia Moman
Nearly two weeks out from the B.C. election, one Surrey race could still help to determine the future of the B.C. government.
After one of the province’s tightest elections, B.C. NDP Premier David Eby has been asked to form government after recounts and a count of absentee votes gave his party a majority win with 47 seats to the B.C. Conservatives’ 44 – but two ridings are headed for judicial recounts because of the narrow margins of victory.
Surrey-Guildford and Kelowna Centre, won by the NDP and the Conservatives respectively, must be recounted because the margin of victory in each riding was less than 1/500th of the total votes cast.
As of Tuesday’s Peace Arch News press deadline, the details and timing of the recounts were not yet known.
(Watch www.peacearchnews. com for updates.)
Mail-in and absentee ballots in Surrey City Centre and Surrey-Guildford were crucial in the New Democrats taking the lead over the Conservative Party.
In the South Surrey and White Rock ridings, however,
the Conservative candidates’ wins were a lot more firm, with incumbent Trevor Halford being re-elected in Surrey-White Rock and newcomer Brent Chapman elected to Surrey South.
The completed results show that Chapman got 58.86 per cent of the vote for his win, with 12,832 votes, while challenger Haroon Ghaffar of the NDP received 41.14 per cent of the total vote, earning 8,968 votes.
In Surrey-White Rock, Halford got a 52.32 per cent lead, with 14,666 votes, over the NDP’s Darryl Walker, who received 45.29 per cent, with 12,697 votes.
Libertarian Damyn Tassie received 671 votes, taking 2.39 per cent of the total vote.
In Surrey-Guildford, incumbent Garry Begg claimed the riding with just a 27-vote difference over Conservative Honveer Singh Randhawa. The race was tight as each candidate took the lead at different points during the counting, but once the final count was complete by Monday night (Oct. 28), the riding has gone to Begg with 8,938 votes to Randhawa’s 8,911.
In Surrey City Centre, the original election-night margin of victory was a less than 100vote difference, which lead to a weekend recount.
After completion of the recount and final absentee ballot counts, the NDP’s Amna Shah managed to hold the seat with a 236-vote lead over the Conservatives’ Zeeshan Wahla.
Trevor Halford, Surrey-White Rock
Brent Chapman, Surrey South
Rotary art raffle raises $1,500 for youth programs
Tracy Holmes It could be said there’s an art to fundraising, and that was certainly the case for Rotary Club of White Rock’s latest endeavour.
Officials announced this month that the club’s 2024 Art Raffle raised $1,500 in support of its youth programs and scholarship offerings.
Tickets were sold from the end of June till Oct. 6, offering a chance at one of two works by renowned late White Rock artist Vojislav Morosan: a 1999 framed original oil painting of
Semiahmoo Bay, valued at $2,500, and a 2000 White Rock Pier canvas print, valued at $600. The works were donated by Morosan’s widow, Norma Morosan. Ken Smurthwaite won the painting and Mike Kristensen won the print. Proceeds from the raffle will “make a lasting difference for our youth,” a news release announcing the winners and thanking supporters states.
For more information about Rotary Club of White Rock, visit www.whiterockrotary.org.
From left, Michele Partridge, Irene Dahl, Norma Morosan and Linda D’Onofrio show the artwork prizes that were up for grabs in Rotary Club of White Rock’s 2024 Art Raffle. (Helmut Gruntorad/Contributed to Peace Arch News)
If ever an election has proven the power of a single vote, it’s this one. With the B.C. election entering its final counting phase over the weekend, as mail-in and absentee ballots were added to election night totals, there was no clear winner in sight.
B.C. NDP hopes for a majority government – meaning 47 seats – lay in Surrey-Guildford, where a 103-vote gap had been pared to 12 by the end of mail-in ballot counts, and the possibility of flipping a Conservative win to orange lay within its grasp. As of the end of Monday’s absentee ballot count, NDP incumbent Garry Begg emerged with a 27-vote win over Conservative Honveer Singh Randhawa – a margin close enough that the riding now goes to a judicial recount.
David Eby will be the next premier, but whether it’s with a minority government or a slim majority will now
be determined by the Surrey-Guildford recount and another in Kelowna Centre (where the Conservatives are currently in front). It’s a reminder to each of us that our individual “x” has played a role in shaping the fate of our local riding and, in turn, the future of British Columbia. In electoral districts like Surrey-City Centre and Surrey-Guildford, that role has clearly been a significant one. But our job as voters and citizens doesn’t stop here. Whatever the final outcome, one thing is clear: there has been no decisive “winner” in this election. What’s needed right now is for all three major parties – the NDP, the Conservatives and the Greens – to recognize the message the electorate has sent: No one party can do it alone. It’s time to work together to address the serious issues facing our province. We need collaboration more than ever, with the province facing so many
complex challenges: a health-care system unable to cope with shifting demographics, health-care workers unable to keep up with demand, high levels of addiction and homelessness. Throw in overcrowded schools, unaffordable housing, and a high cost of living that’s leaving many British Columbians struggling – all of this under the shadow of a climate crisis and unsustainable consumption levels threatening the loss of the wilderness our province is known for.
There are no easy answers, and anyone who tells you differently is fooling themselves. Now it’s our turn to hold our newly elected officials accountable for their comments, their platforms and their promises. We need to call on every single member of the B.C. legislature to rise to the challenge and do right not just by their party, but by the people of British Columbia.
Proof that every vote counts Surrey played a pivotal role in B.C. election
Surrey voters played a pivotal role in the Oct. 19 provincial election, as foreshadowed by the frequent visits of NDP leader David Eby and Conservative leader John Rustad here during the campaign.
The drama continued another 10 days until Monday, when final results were announced after recounts and counting of absentee ballots.
Surrey-City Centre went back and forth between the NDP and Conservatives on election night. When that counting was done, NDP candidate Amna Shah was 93 votes ahead of Conservative candidate Zeeshan Wahla. As the difference was less than 100 votes, an automatic recount was ordered. At the conclusion of the recount Sunday, Shah was 175 votes ahead. At the end of the final count (including mail-in and absentee ballots), her margin of victory was 236 votes.
This particular result shows how far the NDP fell in Surrey. Much of Surrey-City Centre was part of the former Surrey-Whalley riding, which longtime MLA Bruce Ralston won with almost 71 per cent of the vote in 2020.
Surrey-Guildford was even closer. The margin
between leading candidate Conservative Honveer Singh Randhawa and incumbent NDP MLA Garry Begg was 102 votes when counting ended on election night. No recount was scheduled. Begg formally requested one, and Elections BC said no.
Then the mail-in ballot count started, and the margin of victory kept falling.
By the end of the absentee ballot count on Monday (Oct. 28), Begg was up by 27 votes – a margin of victory close enough that the riding must now go to a judicial recount. Compare that to 2020, when Begg won Surrey-Guildford with 60.6 per cent of the vote.
These two ridings weren’t the only ones with dramatic results. Conservative candidates took down Education
and former mayor Linda Hepner.
Even in Surrey-White Rock, a longtime B.C. Liberal/United stronghold, incumbent MLA Trevor Halford had his work cut out for him. He ended up with 14,557 votes, less than 2,000 ahead of former White Rock mayor Darryl Walker, the NDP candidate.
Minister Rachna Singh in Surrey North, former cabinet minister Jinny Sims in Surrey-Panorama, and one-term MLA Mike Starchuk in Surrey-Cloverdale.
Star NDP candidate Baltej Singh Dhillon failed to win the new Surrey-Serpentine River riding, losing in a close race to Conservative candidate
As of Tuesday, six Surrey ridings are now Conservative. Four more (Surrey-Newton, Surrey-Fleetwood, Surrey City Centre and Surrey-Guildford) are in the NDP camp. The pivotal Surrey-Guildford recount will determine the fate of what is now the NDP’s 47th seat – the seat that gives David Eby a majority government.
By contrast, Delta went totally as expected, with Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon easily winning Delta North, and incumbent Ian Paton, former B.C. Liberal/United candidate and latterly the Conservative candidate, winning by a comfortable margin in Delta South.
The NDP, in Surrey and elsewhere, were collectively told by voters they can have an uncom-
fortable hold on power. They were told to deliver results, not promises. Concerns about lack of funding for much-needed infrastructure from hospitals to schools, transit to child care, were top of mind for many voters, who work hard every day to try to meet their ever-rising expenses. Conservatives, on the other hand, were told collectively by voters all across the province (and even in Surrey, where they did well) that they aren’t quite ready to govern. Many of their policies proved popular, but some of the candidates (e.g. Brent Chapman in Surrey South) lacked proper vetting.
Rustad will have much work to do to form a cohesive opposition that holds the government’s feet to the fire. He has proven to be far more capable than many people thought when the campaign began, but this may be one of his toughest tasks. All incoming MLAs need to work hard to address the concerns about lack of housing, affordability, high taxes, increasing government regulation and the state of the economy. Their work is just beginning.
Frank Bucholtz writes twice monthly on political issues for Black Press Media publications.
This historical view of the Peace Arch at the Canada-United States border illuminated with lights was taken in the 1920s or 1930s. Engraved at the top of the monument is “Children of a Common Mother” (on the Washington side). The Peace Arch was dedicated in 1921. (Philip Timms Collection/Vancouver Public Library archives, 66605)
Frank Bucholtz …and frankly
Cenotaph needs some TLC
Editor,
An open letter to White Rock mayor and council:
Since we won’t be here in White Rock for Remembrance Day this year, I took a walk over to our cenotaph recently.
While there I noticed both it and the ‘Royal Ordnance QF 25’ Howitzer seemed in need of some TLC.
Moss growing on the gun and on the veterans memorial, along with peeling paint and a plaque barely legible, seemed disrespectful and sad.
I encourage council to request the city do some basic maintenance to these treasures before Nov. 11 (even just power washing for now), when we gather to remember and honour the dedication and sacrifice those young Canadians gave all those years ago.
Charles Fast, White Rock
Let’s not follow the U.S. road
Editor, Congratulations to the Peace ArchNews for the excellent Oct. 17 pre-election coverage reported by Alex Browne.
The Conservative candidate Brent Chapman was elected in the riding of Surrey South. His election should serve as a warning to local citizens of conspiracies, lies and rampant disinformation adopted by John Rustad’s candidates in many communities throughout B.C. His candidates voiced the worst of human grievances, misogyny and racism during this important election.
If you love your community, you had enough time to educate yourselves, think critically, and vote accordingly. B.C. Conservative “values” ignore truth and amplify hatred, so sadly we can expect this legislative assembly to be divisive in the extreme. Canadians watch the terrible political implosion of our American neighbours as their “lesser angels” continue to overwhelm them. Let us not go down that ugly road with them.
J. Leslie Longworth, White Rock
‘Vile’ comments demand action
Editor, I understand that some people may vote for a party in an election rather than the candidate representing the party, no matter, as in the case of Brent Chapman, that he has written vile and outrageous comments on social media in the past.
While Conservative Party leader John Rustad may be glad of the seat, surely he cannot be pleased that it is held by Mr. Chapman. It is to be hoped that the Canadian Human Rights Commission will pay attention to what may be seen as hate literature and take action against Mr. Chapman.
It seems that we may have another election soon, and this would give
Mr. Rustad the opportunity to find a candidate who could represent Surrey South without the racist diatribes associated with the current MLA.
Peter Ferris, Surrey
Sad state of politics
Editor,
In reference to the candidacy of Brent Chapman, recently I pointed out how distressing it was that so many voters were willing to overlook blatant racism and prejudice in the belief it will put an extra nickel in their pocket. I was told I was finally beginning to understand.
If that’s the state of our politics, why are we still fighting for the future of our children?
Scott Imbeau, Surrey
Editor,
What a sad day in Surrey.
You’ve elected a one-term, rejected former mayor, Linda Hepner; a far-right conspiracy theorist, Brent Chapman; and an outspoken supporter of the Freedom Convoy and anti-vaccine movement, Bryan Tepper.
I understand the frustration with NDP interference in the police transition and other issues, but was it really necessary to vote in some of the most embarrassing candidates B.C. Conservatives had to offer?
Simone LeJones, Surrey
Rustad is just after power
Editor, John Rustad’s vow to make things as difficult as possible for NDP to govern and bring them down ASAP tells you all you need to know about the B.C. Conservative Party’s real focus. It’s about power, and not improving B.C. or service for the people of diverse contexts.
The echo of Pierre Poilievre’s rhetoric, slogans like “doom and gloom”and “common sense,”with attacks on “others” was not constructive. Observed known federal Conservatives pitched in for him, or were they driving the ship? Rehearsal for the next one?
Sonia Furstenau was our only adult – eloquent, solid platform and had mediated tribes last time. Sigh, she will not be in the legislature. Perhaps the B.C. government can just hire her to teach all MLAs?
Instead of Official Opposition flamed barbs and blocking legislation, show us all how to work together for best interests of better behaviour, how to offer constructive feedback, negotiate improvements and how to get along. So many issues need action now. Stop the political games. Get the job done right.
Pat (Pattie) Petrala, White Rock
B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad gives a thumbs up after addressing supporters on election night in Vancouver on Saturday, Oct. 19. (Ethan Cairns/Canadian Press)
Nov. 16 holiday event features live music, tree lighting
Continued from A1
Megan Knight, Klassen said.
“The White Rock Elementary choir will be singing, and Morrison’s will be handing out hot chocolate to everyone,” he added.
“From there we’ll be encouraging everyone to walk up the Johnston Road sidewalks – the road won’t be closed – visiting businesses along the way to see what special deals they have to offer.”
An extra incentive will be “passports” handed out to participants.
“You need a minimum of six signatures from businesses, and then your passport will be eligible to be placed in a draw for a $1,000 gift basket,” Klassen explained.
“The draw will be held at 7 p.m. the same night at the plaza by Ocean PARC and Chez Christophe.
“Oceana PARC will be putting up a European/German Christmas display, with food and drink and photo opportunities, and a Santa Claus will also be there.”
But there will be plenty of attractions on the way there – some of them still being fine-
tuned at this writing, Klassen said.
Nomad Gallery is set to offer face painting for youngsters, for example, while at Miramar Plaza, the White Rock Singers adult choir will be performing, while chocolate and doughnuts will be compliments of Thrifty Foods.
A contingent of the White Rock City Orchestra will also be performing at a yet-to-bedetermined location, he said, while the Beer Shack will be hosting the popular O’Carolan
Celtic Ensemble.
“The event is actually getting a little bigger than I anticipated,” Klassen confessed, while acknowledging that that is a symptom of healthy interest by both businesses and the public alike.
“We were handing out flyers at the last Farmers’ Market, and everybody was so keen,” he noted.
“Everybody wants to support and promote local businesses, especially with all the construction going on.”
A new Festive Shopping Holiday Crawl is coming to White Rock Nov. 16. (ipopba/Adobe stock photo)
Man arrested after punches thrown during traffic stop
Tracy Holmes
One man is in custody after a traffic stop in White Rock took a violent turn Friday (Oct. 25) morning.
Const. Chantal Sears said things went sideways after a driver who was pulled over during a random patrol was advised that he would be arrested for dangerous driving.
The incident unfolded just before 10 a.m., near North Bluff Road and Nichol Road.
The arresting officer had been eastbound on North Bluff when he spotted an older, westbound sedan “doing excessive speed and driving recklessly,” Sears said.
After receiving news of his impending arrest, the driver resisted and “the fight was on,” Sears said.
The scene – which ultimately played out on the Surrey side of North Bluff, on 140 Avenue – caught the attention of many.
“We were getting multiple 911 calls from the public… saying that an officer was engaged in a fight on the roadway,” Sears said.
Both White Rock and Surrey RCMP flooded the area.
Familyownedand operatedfor58years!
An off-duty Vancouver Police officer also assisted.
Sears said the driver, who sustained “a visible injury to his face” during the altercation, was taken to Peace Arch Hospital to get checked out.
The arresting officer received minor scrapes and bruises.
She noted such incidents occur “very rarely” in White Rock.
A 36-year-old Surrey resident is facing charges of
obstruction and assaulting a police officer.
Sears said a number of witnesses were seen capturing video of the altercation on their cellphones.
Investigators are asking for these witnesses to provide the footage to RCMP, either by dropping it off to the Pacific Avenue detachment (15255 Pacific Ave.), or contacting police at 778-545-4800 to make arrangements.
A traffic stop in White Rock took a violent turn last Friday, Oct. 25. (White Rock RCMP Twitter photo)
perspectives
…on the Semiahmoo Peninsula
Local woman summits Africa’s highest peak
Tracy Holmes
White Rock’s Juliet (Jhet) van Ruyven is no stranger to rising above adversity.
Born in the Philippine village of Pader, she grew up in a life of poverty. Her family shared a one-room, bamboo-floored home, and as the third oldest of 12 children, van Ruyven would sell fruits and vegetables on the beach to help support her siblings.
Education helped her realize her childhood fantasies of living in a mansion and jetting around the world – she’s set foot on every continent, including Antarctica, since arriving on the Semiahmoo Peninsula some 37 years ago.
This month, the mother of two reached an entirely new height – literally. She summited Mount Kilimanjaro.
The dormant volcano, located in Tanzania, is Africa’s highest mountain and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. One of the Seven Summits, an estimated 30,000 people ascend it every year; a little more than half of those successfully.
Van Ruyven, former owner of two digital-printing businesses, turned 65 in January. Just a few months later, she heard that a friend’s husband was planning to make his third ascent of Kilimanjaro in the fall. That, she said, is when her “adventurous heart” kicked in, and she set her sights on conquering its 5,895 metres herself.
Though she’s no stranger to hikes – the 129-kilometre Camino de Compostela in Portugal and Spain is among her
list of achievements, as is the Inca trail in Peru – van Ruyven took a moment to research if age matters when undertaking such an arduous endeavour.
She quickly set any concerns around that aside, however, after learning that an 80-yearold would be among her fellow climbers. Inspired, she hoped to inspire others.
“Thought since I’m working hard to prepare for the climb at my age, we might help others who are on the fence about doing something they could have done if they only muster their courage and just do it,”
van Ruyven told Peace Arch News ahead of the trek.
The sentiment is similar to one she shared in her first PAN appearance, in 2005, when she was featured after penning and self-publishing her autobiography, The Tale of Juliet.
“I want to be an example to a lot of people,” the then-46year-old told this reporter.
“Big dreams do come true. I have to really pass this message that there’s hope. I’m planting the seed of hope.”
Thousands of copies of the book were printed in the Philippines, and van Ruyven received speaking invitations from around the world. Nearly 20 years later, The Tale of Juliet is still available on Amazon, both in hardcover and Kindle.
Van Ruyven said she realized shortly before she left for Africa that she wanted to climb “for a higher purpose,” and began fundraising to help high school students in her Philippine barrio whose parents do not have the income to support
their children with education.
“I used to be like them,” she said in an email interview.
“Through the kindness of others I was able to achieve higher education and helped my brothers and sisters continue their schooling too. It was a family team effort to support one another.”
With the help of one of her daughters, she launched a GoFundMe campaign, setting a goal to raise $1 for every foot of Kilimanjaro: more than $19,000. As of Thursday (Oct. 24), $2,350 had been donated, and van Ruyven is crossing her fingers that the cause will resonate with those who read her story. All of the proceeds will be managed by a local teacher and released as needed directly to beneficiaries, she noted.
Training for the climb, she said, was both a mental and physical task, with extreme weather and high altitude the most daunting of obstacles that laid ahead. Van Ruyven tackled White Rock’s most strenuous routes, and North Vancouver’s Grouse Grind and BCMC trails, multiple times to help prepare.
A motor vehicle crash in May – that fortunately was not catastrophic – strengthened her drive to “always live with gusto.”
Another “hiccup” two days before the climb, however, came closer to sidelining her summit aspirations. Nearly fainting, a doctor told her climbing guide that if there was a recurrence anywhere along the route, she’d have to
turn back, she said.
Fortunately, that was not the case. Van Ruyven described summit day as the second-biggest challenge of her Kilimanjaro climb, behind conquering the effects of the altitude on her mind and body.
“Your stamina, physical and mental department will be challenged,” she cautioned others mulling the trek.
“It is the long hours of steep climb all the way to the top then the descend down right away. We were navigating on moon-like terrain, loose gravel…plus patches of big boulders of rocks and lava stones.
“These factors will test your deep core, push you to the limits and turn on your Divine spirit and inner power to guide you. You need to prepare to
hike for up to 18 long hours on high altitude,”then descend more than 2,700 metres (9,000 feet), all in one day.
Van Ruyven set foot back on home soil on Oct. 20, following a week of post-summit safari adventures with her husband. In addition to continuing to adventure, she remains focused on reaching her fundraising goal, and said she’d be thrilled to to share her story in person with service groups and any others interested in having her as a featured speaker.
“I believe we all have the power to reach our own summit in life,”she said. “I not only conquered climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, I also learned to conquer myself and be at peace whatever is happening around me.”
White Rock’s Jhet van Ruyven celebrates summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. (Contributed to Peace Arch News)
Jhet van Ruyven on Mount Kilimanjaro. She reached the summit on Oct. 8. (Contributed to Peace Arch News) Climbers make their way up Mount Kilimanjaro. (Contributed to Peace Arch News)
Base camp at Mount Kilimanjaro. (Contributed to Peace Arch News)
It’s time to get your flu and COVID shot: Fraser Health
Anna Burns A Fraser Health medical health officer is encouraging everyone to get their annual COVID and flu shots, as there has been an uptick in the number of viruses in the community.
Dr. Carolyn Wonneck said getting influenza and COVID-19 immunizations is essential annually as “protection from these vaccines wears off with time.”
“We are encouraging everyone who’s eligible to get the flu and the COVID vaccine,” Wonneck said. “
They are some of the best measures we have to protect against getting sick, and even if you don’t get very sick from any of these illnesses, there are other people who you may spread it to who could get very sick from them, and so these vaccines are not only to protect yourself from getting sick, but also to protect others as well.”
centre toll-free at 1-833-838-2323.
Those not registered can visit getvaccinated. gov.bc.ca.
This year’s COVID and flu vaccine helps protect against the strain of the circulating virus.
“So getting both of these shots will give you just a bit of a better protection against what’s what’s out there and making people sick,” Wonneck said.
Health Canada approved in September Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna’s updated Spikevax vaccines, which target the KP.2 subvariant of Omicron, and Novavax’s Nuvaxovid vaccine, which targets the JN.1 variant.
If you have previously registered with the Get Vaccinated system, you will receive an email or text notification with a personalized booking link. People can also call the provincial call
Wonneck added that it is perfectly safe to get both shots simultaneously.
More than 369,000 vaccines were administered in the first week of the provincial campaign, Dr. Bonnie Henry said during an update on B.C.’s respiratory illness season in Victoria on Tuesday (Oct. 22).
It was 228,000 influenza doses and 141,000 for COVID-19. That’s about 4,000 more doses administered than in the 2023 vaccination kickoff.
For more information about the flu and COVID-19, visit fraserhealth.ca/defence.
–With files from Lauren Collins
This year’s COVID and flu vaccine helps protect against the strain of the circulating virus. A health worker prepares shots of the vaccine for COVID-19. (Esteban Felix/AP photo)
Cat reunited with owner – seven years later
Tricia Weel
The cat came back. But it was not the very next day. It was seven years later.
Jomeo, a handsome black cat, was about a year old when he disappeared from his home in South Surrey seven years ago, and although his humans were devastated and put up signs and searched for him everywhere, he didn’t return.
Ben Driedger explained he and his ex-wife got Jomeo for their kids, along with a litter mate, and said he was a much-loved furry family member.
“They were much beloved by our family…they had the best nature and were always good for snuggles and cuddles,” he said.
“Everyone was heartbroken when he disappeared.”
Driedger, who has since moved to the Brentwood neighbourhood, didn’t realize his girlfriend as well as at least one other person were feeding a stray black cat in the Burnaby neighbourhood.
One of them was a volunteer at the Regional Animal Protection Society, and she took the sleek black cat to the organization’s RAPS Animal Hospital to see if maybe he had a microchip, a RAPS release said.
Jomeo did. And the microchip indicated he was Ben’s cat.
“I’m a big fan of microchipping… get it done!” Driedger encouraged all pet guardians, adding RAPS currently has a 25 per cent off microchipping offer.
Driedger didn’t meet the stray cat his girlfriend was feeding outside her home, but she had even joked that maybe this was the cat Driedger had lost so long ago.
Being a cat, Jomeo took the whole reunion in stride, according to Driedger.
“Well, he’s a cat… he didn’t wag his tail. I figure he’s just maybe, ‘Where were you all these years?’”
Jomeo is settling in nicely in his new home, however, and the kids have all had a chance to give their pet snuggles.
“He’s great,” said Driedger. “It’s like we never missed a day. He still has same loving nature as he used to.”
Jomeo’s not sharing the story of his last few years, but he didn’t appear to lack for food.
“We’ve all seen Homeward Bound,” Driedger said. “I think he was on an adventure.”
To celebrate the reunion – and to remind people to microchip their pets – the RAPS Animal Hospital is offering 25 per cent off microchipping with lifetime registration – especially because it’s a dangerous time of year for all pets.
They’re also offering a $100 eGift card to cover the first examination for animals who come in for microchipping.
“Halloween is the most dangerous time of year for animals to become separated from their people,” said RAPS CEO Eyal Lichtmann.
“Animal get freaked out by fireworks and other spooky things and flee for what they think is safety. Microchipping is the best way to reunite speedily if you ever become separated.
Visit the website rapsbc.com for more information about the microchipping offer.
Jomeo relaxing in comfort. (Contributed to Peace Arch News)
Jomeo has been reunited with his family after wandering away from his South Surrey home seven years ago. (Contributed to Peace Arch News)
White Rock firefighters to host ‘Pumpkin Smash’
Tracy Holmes
White Rock firefighters are planning a smashing good time this weekend, offering anyone with a hankering an opportunity to wrap up the Halloween season in a messy, environmentally friendly and charitable way.
The first annual ‘Pumpkin Smash’ event is set for Satur-
day, Nov. 2 at the 15315 Pacific Ave. fire hall.
From 11 a.m. till 2 p.m., community members of all ages may bring their orange-toned gourds, haul them up to the top of the three-storey hose tower and drop them to the pavement below.
It’s “the start of some good things to come,” firefighter
Scott Pearson, charity assistant for the White Rock Firefighters Charity Association, said Monday (Oct. 28) of the Smash affair.
Pearson explained that the pandemic “really threw a wrench” into the association’s fundraising efforts, but he and fellow firefighter Connor McMahon are “really trying to get
things moving” again on that front. Notably, they’re gearing up to welcome back the long-running and much-anticipated Breakfast with Santa, which is set to return Dec. 7.
Pearson, a firefighter in the waterfront city for the past 3.5 years, hopes this Saturday’s event will pique the community’s interest. “I know my three-year-old son is looking forward to it,” he said.
The cost to participate is $5. A poster promoting the ‘Don’t Trash it, Smash it!’ event notes the fee is a donation, and that each donation is a chance to win one of three prizes – a Samsung Galaxy tablet, portable speaker or movie basket – donated by Evan Bird Real Estate. Bird is a former long-
time White Rock firefighter. Pearson said crew members will be on-hand to assist anyone who needs help getting their pumpkin up to the drop zone. For safety reasons, no spectators will be allowed in the “splash zone.”
With
The Lower Mainland Green Team runs many initiatives around the community, often frequenting the Semiahmoo Peninsula with their efforts.
On Saturday, Oct. 5, the team of volunteers from the community and TD Canada Trust took to Ruth Johnson Park, where they planted 376 native trees and shrubs and
also removed invasive plants.
“Not only did we get to plant hundreds of native species, but we also had time to remove lots of invasive plants that were threatening native plants and trees in the area. Everyone left with a smile on their face!” reads a description of the tree planting event on the Green Team’s website.
“Our activities are designed to foster a sense of community that extends beyond municipal borders.
“By engaging community members from across the re-
gion, we are reminded that we are part of a larger, interconnected community and have a shared responsibility of creating a cleaner, healthier environment regardless of where we call home.”
White Rock is also the first B.C. municipality to agree to a partnership with the Green Team.
The next cleanup is set to take place next weekend, on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. till noon, with those interested in participating able to register online at tdtreedays.com.
Proceeds from the event will benefit a trio of charities: the White Rock Firefighters Charity Association, the School Snack Program at Peace Arch
In search of the great pumpkin
Tricia Weel
What’s a pumpkin patch without a little mud?
Despite earlier rainfall Sunday, plenty of families were still out shopping for pumpkins at Gabriel Farms’ Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch in South Surrey.
As is often the case, the muckier, the better – especially for some of the toddlers in attendance, who revelled in the muddy puddles and mire with delight while also, perusing the orange, white and multi-coloured pumpkins.
Located just off 184 Street on 20 Avenue, the pumpkin patch offered plenty of squash, and also featured an animal area with goats, farm animals and rabbits, as well as a kids play area, a mini corn maze, wagon rides and food trucks.
Some of the children in attendance could be heard discussing how they planned to carve their pumpkins when they got home; others gravitated towards the the farm animals, food trucks and wagon rides.
John Verde, 22 months old, Mom Madoka Verde and Dad Mike Verde were among those enjoying the pumpkin patch. (Tricia Weel/Peace Arch News)
Sunday was busy at Gabriel Farms’ Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch in South Surrey, where plenty of families were choosing among the many squash available. (Tricia Weel/Peace Arch News)
Nadar, who is nearly 3, pets a goat at the patch. (Tricia Weel/Peace Arch News)
The Ballam family poses for a photo at Gabriel Farms’ Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch last Sunday. The event featured farm animals, wagon rides and food trucks as well as plenty of colourful squash. (Tricia Weel/Peace Arch News)
A ready-made face already appeared to be on one of the Romano family’s pumpkins. (Tricia Weel/Peace Arch News)
Members of the Romano family, including dog Archie, at the farm last Sunday, Oct. 27. (Tricia Weel/Peace Arch News)
As Septembermarks Urology AwarenessMonth, wereflectonthe vital role of urologicalcare inmaintaininghealth. AtPeaceArch Hospital,oururologydepartmentfaces a pressingneed for updatedequipmentto continueproviding exceptionalcare.With outdated toolsandincreasingdemand, we urgentlyneed toraise $130,000 fornew deviceslike ureterorenoscopes, laparoscopes, and resectoscopes. Yoursupportiscrucialinhelpingusoffer precise,life-changingtreatments.Pleaseconsider a donation to ensurewe cancontinuedelivering top-tiercareto ourcommunity
New courses approved for Surrey high schools
Peace Arch News Staff
Three new courses will be introduced to students in Surrey starting next fall, giving them the opportunity to explore different future career opportunities.
At the regular Oct. 9 school board meeting, Surrey trustees approved the implementation of three new courses to the selection of BAA courses that students in Grades 11 and 12 can choose. The courses include Aviation 11 Explorations in Aviation, Leadership First Aid 11 and 12 and E-Sports: Active Living in the Digital Age.
“I’m always impressed when these come forward that they’re typically topics that are relevant for this day and age,” trustee Gary Tymoschuk said.
“The number of flights and people travelling is skyrocketing again, and there are lots of career opportunities in that area. First aid, the population generally is aging, and it’s always good if anybody has an opportunity to have some first aid under their belt. And then e-sports, something that’s been on my mind for quite some time is to make sure that particularly our youth and older people get active in many different ways.”
All three courses were developed by teachers in the district – the Aviation course created by North Surrey Secondary teacher Arnel Aliwalas; First Aid developed by another North Surrey teacher, Jenna Grossman; and E-Sports developed by Johnston Heights Secondary teachers
The aviation course will delve into the fundamental aspects of flight and provide insight on aviation operations.
Meanwhile, the course on E-Sports focuses on how individuals can lead healthy lifestyles while also participating in competitive gaming online.
“Since COVID, we know that youth are so much more engaged online than they are in person,” trustee Bob Holmes said.
“We have one at home, his friends he sees a lot online, not as much in person, so I think the more we can do to bring that balance to their lives, the better.”
Jared Nermo and Joshua Jensen.
Surrey students will have three additional courses to choose from starting fall 2025, with one particular course teaching youth about aviation. (Jacob Zinn/ Surrey Schools)
Help keep your pets safe this Halloween
Tricia Weel
As Halloween nears, many Surrey and White Rock residents celebrate with costumes, candy and fireworks, or even scaring themselves watching horror movies or series.
It’s frightening on a whole other level for animals, however. And not because of any ghosts or goblins.
Exploding fireworks can be terrifying for pets, farmed animals and wildlife, a recent BC SPCA release noted. Research has suggested, for instance, that nearly half of dogs are fearful of loud noises such as fireworks, thunderstorms and gunshots, while almost 80 per cent of horses show anxious behaviour during fireworks displays.
“I don’t think people realize the trauma surrounding fireworks for animals,” said Aleigh Ateyo, night emergency officer at the BC SPCA in Vancouver.
“On nights when there are fireworks, the call load is always worse. The animals are frantic and once an animal is frightened and running, they are almost impossible to catch.”
Ateyo works for the BC SPCA’s Night Emergency Patrol (NEP), a program designed by the organization to facilitate assistance to animals after hours. She estimates that she receives about 30 to 50 calls on Halloween night, most of which are related to the effects of fireworks.
“On Halloween, people are on high alert and very emotional when they call in. Calls come in rapidly,” she said. “Most of the calls involve a high number of animals who are hit by cars.”
Ateyo says she receives a lot of calls from people who are out on a walk with their dogs on Halloween night, only to have them bolt due to the sound of fireworks.
Other calls that Ateyo receives on Halloween include lost dogs and cats who ran off or broke through a fence or window because they were
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Thursday
Halloween Green Screen photos for kids at White Rock Library on Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to noon, come in your Halloween costume for seasonal green screen photos
Semiahmoo Rotary Club meets weekly at Rotary Fieldhouse at 7 a.m. Call Vinod for more info 604-644-5484
Bingo at Crescent Legion, weekly, card bingo from 6:30-9 p.m.
South Fraser Community Band welcomes new members, particularly needing brass/ horns, rehearsals every Thurs. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Earl Marriott Secondary. Email membership@sfcb.ca or visit www.sfcb.ca Low Vision Support Group, fourth Thursday every month at 1 p.m., ‘Learning to live well with vision loss’, contact info: Jane 604536-5247
Saturday
Christmas Craft Fair at White Rock Elks Hall 1469 George St. each week in November, Dec. 1 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Christmas Craft Fair on Nov. 2 at Peace Arch Curling Club at 1475 Anderson St. White Rock from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hand-crafted items, stocking stuffers and Christmas gifts
Laughter Yoga on Nov. 2 and Dec. 7, White Rock Luaghter Club, sessions held at White Rock Library at 15342 Buena Vista Ave. Flea Market indoors on Nov. 2 at 15262 Pacific Ave. White Rock from 8 a.m. to 1
spooked by fireworks. She also hears about wild animals behaving in unusual ways, including instances where raccoons, skunks and birds were trying to get inside a house or underneath a deck to hide from fireworks.
“Stay with your pets on Halloween,” said Ateyo. “Support them, comfort them.
“They are scared.”
Tips to help keep your pet safe during fireworks season include:
• Keep pets inside: Dogs and cats may try to run away if they feel threatened.
• Ensure your pet has at least two forms of identification in case they go missing. Pets should have a collar with tags and an ear tattoo or a microchip
• Be mindful when you’re opening your door to hand out candy. Pets can easily slip past their guardian to escape through an open door.
• If you must take your dog outside, make sure they’re appropriately leashed or, better yet, harnessed. Hold tight to the leash, even in your backyard.
• Candy is for people, not pets, and chocolate is especially dangerous because it contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats.
p.m., $1 admission
Citizenship Prep for free at White Rock Library on Nov. 2 and 9 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Taught by former Canadian citizenship judge, using study guide from Government of Canada, free, open to all who can speak and read English, get prepared for Canadian citizenship test, register at fvrl.bibliocommons.com
Sunday
Seniors Social Sundays weekly at Ocean Park Library from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Enjoy company of other like-minded locals, play cards, board games and puzzles
Craft N’ Yarn event for casual crafting, weekly, all levels welcome, not instructional class, 3-4:30 p.m. at Ocean Park Library Crescent Legion live jazz/swing events every Sunday, info at www.whiterockjazz.ca or 604-531-9259
Monday
CARP Remembrance Day event on Nov. 11 at White Rock Community Centre from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations required, call 604-538-5778 or email dethomps@telus.net
Oneness Gogos meetings Nov. 4 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at White Rock Library, group raises funds for grandmothers in Sub-Saharan Africa who look after orphaned youth Toastmasters meet every second week from 7-8:30 a.m. at Amica 15333 16 Ave., new members welcome, contact Manjit for more info at mp_johal@hotmail.com
The BC SPCA has plenty of tips to help keep your pet safe on Halloween, when fireworks, costumes and candy abound, and can be frightening for animals. (Pixabay photo)
SurreyCityCouncilmeeting Monday,November4
‘Angel donor’ gives $150K for new school playground
Sobia Moman
An “angel donor” has flown in to offer a generous donation, a whopping $150,000, to the students of a South Newton elementary school who just recently lost their playground to wear and tear over the decades.
“We are just so incredibly grateful,” Hyland Elementary principal Bronwen Howden said in a Surrey school district press release.
“It’s a tremendous donation to our school, and the kids will be super excited to have a new playground very, very soon!”
Hyland’s playground was dismantled over the summer break due to the aging structure in need of a replacement, which the school has been tirelessly fundraising for for the last year.
“We ran weekly pizza sales, multiple hot lunches, Halloween dance – every fundraising initiative was all going to the playground,” vice-principal Edward Carter said.
“We raised almost $70,000 in a year, but when you’re looking at a $200,000-plus price tag for a new playground, these are things that probably would’ve needed multiple years to fund, or some significant grants. Or an angel donor.”
And that is exactly what the school received.
An anonymous source donated $150,000 to Hyland after hearing about the school’s need for a new play structure. This donation is the largest the school district has ever received from a single individual for a playground replacement. “It was incredible news – how often do you hear of someone being able to donate $150,000?” Carter said.
“I was super proud that we were able to raise
Hyland Elementary has received a substantial donation of $150,000 from an individual to go towards a new playground that the school desperately needs. (Surrey Schools photo)
almost $70,000 in the span of a year, that’s phenomenal, but obviously we were looking at this massive mountain to climb, and then all of a sudden, we’d just been taken to the top.”
As the purchase for the new playground is being finalized, the school is busy planning what the new, accessible playground will look like and feature. While the children do not have a playground to use in the meantime, the wait will be well worth it to the students, Howden said.
“Staff were planning different activities for the Grade 7 classes to teach the younger kids – they did a lot of brainstorming of games and activities to play and that was very helpful,” the principal added.
The relief from fundraising pressure on the community is also welcome, the principal added, with excitement replacing the worry.
Surrey Mountie named one of world’s top 40 cops under 40
Anna Burns
A Surrey Mountie has been recognized internationally for his “unwavering commitment and close attention to detail” during some of the department’s most complex and high-profile cases.
Staff Sgt. Derek Bonner was one of the recipients of this year’s Top 40 under 40 Award on behalf of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
The award recognizes 40 law enforcement professionals worldwide who are under 40 and demonstrate leadership, excellence and commitment to their communities and the law enforcement profession.
Bonner is in charge of the serious crime unit in Surrey, which conducts homicide, attempted murder, serious aggravated assault, high-risk missing persons, and arson investigations.
“Each time I am able to provide closure to a victim, I am motivated to work tirelessly toward the same result for the next victim,” he said.
In 2022, he was recognized for his successful investigations as team commander, primary investigatorand file coordinator and was then identified as an accredited team commander in B.C.
“With his combined experience in academy instruction, general duty, the role of school liaison, cover surveillance, and major crimes, he has proven himself an excellent investigator and trusted leader,” reads a Surrey RCMP release Thursday (Oct. 24).
This includes a multi-year shooting investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of several people involved in an “extensive drug trafficking network.”
Surrey RCMP Assistant Commissioner Brian Edwards said the award was “well-deserved.”
“Derek’s leadership and dedication to the residents of Surrey and to the team at the Surrey RCMP exemplify the highest traditions of the RCMP,” Edwards said.
“This recognition is a testament to your hard work and to the positive impact you make every day.”
He was the only RCMP officer in Canada to receive the award in 2024.
Booner is motivated by his desire to leave a positive impact, whether it as work or in
his community. He recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree, and in his spare time, he coaches youth sports.
Delta Police Department Acting Staff Sgt. Gary Koonar, who as watch commander for ‘A’ Platoon leads a team of 20 officers focused on community safety, teamwork and proactive policing, was also among this year’s winners.
Koonar is the fifth Delta police officer in as many years named as one of the IACP’s Top 40 Under 40, following Const. Grayson Smith in 2020, Const. Jeremy Pearce in 2021, Const. Jessy Sahota in 2022 and Sgt. Kaitlyn Garcia in 2023.
Two Surrey Police Service officers have also received the award in previous years: Det. Const. Mandy Glassco in 2022 and Sgt. Kaleigh Paddon in 2023.
Staff Sgt. Derek Bonner Derek Bonner poses for a photo with his IACP Top 40 Under 40 Award. (Surrey RCMP/Contributed to Surrey Now-Leader)
arts & entertainment
…on the Semiahmoo Peninsula
Remembrance show features wartime songs, Canadiana
Alex Browne
You can count on First Capital Chorus’ annual Remembrance show to bring back songs that evoke the eras of the First and Second World Wars.
And this year’s 27th edition, We’ll Meet Again – coming to Langley’s Willoughby Church (20525 72 Ave.) on Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. and South Surrey’s St. Mark’s Anglican Church (12953 20 Ave.) on Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. – is no exception.
Songs like Pack Up Your Troubles and It’s a Long Way To Tipperary, or Sentimental Journey, The White Cliffs Of Dover, I’ll Be Seeing You and the title tune, in the hands of the 20-member-strong barbershop-harmony-based mixed chorus, still provide an instant emotional link to the service and sacrifices of those years.
“These are the songs that people have always wanted to hear,” noted longtime chorus member Denny O’Donovan.
But, as with all Remembrance concerts, the emphasis is not just on the past, but on the way forward, through a commitment to shared human values and the quest for global peace, as evidenced by such numbers as Let There Be Peace on Earth and What a Wonderful World
Musical director Tiffany Chen, who came to the choir just after COVID, is continuing to exert a positive influence in growing the chorus’ technical skills, O’Donovan said, while Clint Hall, who joined the singers just before COVID, is proving himself through yeoman service, including penning this year’s script as well as taking on the role of master of ceremonies.
The six member sub-group of the chorus,
Memory Lane, will also be featured on the songs Water Is Wide and Love At Home.
And, as this year’s show co-ordinator, and Memory Lane member Derek Sanft explained, the overall theme has veered toward including more Canadiana, in addition to one of the perennial favourites of the concert, Canadian jazz legend Oscar Peterson’s Hymn To Freedom
“We have a Canada Medley that was created 20 years ago by Joey Minshall, who was one of the pre-eminent Sweet Adeline directors,” said Sanft.
The angelic-voiced Uppa Tones female
close-harmony folk trio, special guests for the Langley show, will also be introducing some Canadian content, he added. And, well-known multi-talented pianist, singer and theatre director Kerry O’Donovan – Denny’s son and special musical guest for the South Surrey performance – will perform a Leonard Cohen song as well as one of his favourites, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square. Choir member Boris Kraovec’s two evocative solo contributions, Farewell to Nova Scotia and The Soldier, also emphasize the Canadian theme, Sanft and O’Donovan noted.
“We’ve been doing versions of this show for 26 years and we thought it was time we had a Canadian focus to it,” Sanft said.
“It’s not that we don’t love and value the big picture, but we are in Canada and we’re of Canada. The country seems to be in a bit of turmoil, changing the way we have operated after 100 years. We felt the need to focus on who and what Canada is; what we have become and what we are going to be on the world stage.”
In that context, a newly added piece, When The Lights Go On Again (All Over The World) is not just a song marking the air-raid blackouts of the Second World War, but also a metaphor for the present day and our hopes for the future, Sanft said.
There’s also a strong Canadian presence in the spoken-word portions of the programme, including John McCrae’s immortal First World War poem In Flanders Fields, and the poem High Flight, written by Second World War RCAF airman John McGee.
The latter, also a nod to the 100th anniversary of the air branch of the Canadian Forces, will be read by choir member Bill Findlay, himself a former RCAF reserve pilot who spent the rest of his career flying for Air Canada before his retirement five years ago.
Tickets for We’ll Meet Again ($25 for all seats, complimentary admission for veterans and peacekeepers) are available at www.eventbrite. ca/o/langley-first-capital-chorus-65047375463 or at Pelican Rouge Cafe in White Rock, or Westland Insurance at Willowbrook Mall, Langley.
German Prisoners watched by a Canadian soldier on Juno Beach, after D-Day, on June 6, 1944. (National Archives of Canada, Frank L. Dubervil/Canadian Press)
Langley’s First Capital Chorus (seen here in a file photo) brings its Remembrance concert to South Surrey and Langley. (Contributed/file photo)
Remembrance concert features Mozart Requiem arts & entertainment
Alex Browne
A timely concert – We Will Remember, by the Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra – is coming to Good Shepherd Church in South Surrey at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, and also St. James Catholic Church in Abbotsford at 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 11.
The performance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s unforgettable Requiem in D minor, K.626 has been subtitled “a poignant requiem concert honouring those who served and sacrificed.”
In its exploration of grief, longing and the hope for peace, it’s a highly apt choice for a time of remembrance and reflection.
Directed by Maestra Paula DeWit – well
known locally for her work in building the White Rock City Orchestra over the last eight years – the concert will feature not only the members of the CSO, but also the chorus Cantare Super Orchestram and DeWit’s own Belle Voci, acclaimed as one of B.C.’s leading vocal ensembles.
Described in a CSO media release as “one of the most profound and captivating works in the classical repertoire,” the Requiem was composed during the last days of Mozart’s life (he died of a fever of unknown origin at only 35) and continues to be “shrouded in mystery and intrigue.”
In the film version of Peter Shaffer’s play
Amadeus, Mozart is depicted – in a memorable scene – as feverishly dictating the composition while his secret rival, the composer Salieri, captivated by the composer’s genius in spite of his envy, struggles to notate the flow of ideas.
The real life story may not have been quite as dramatic as Shaffer’s mythical version, but the piece was left unfinished at Mozart’s death and may have been completed by his student, Franz Xaver Sussmayr, working from passages dictated by the composer.
Whatever the case, the Requiem stands today as a masterpiece that will carries listeners “through a journey of sorrow, reflection and, ultimately, hope” – progressing from a somber
Introitus (Entrance) to a powerful Dies Irae (literally Day of Wrath or Judgment Day,), and ending with the peaceful resolution of the Lux Aeterna (Eternal Light).
The coming performances promise a blend of orchestral richness, while the singers of Belle Voci and the Cantare Super Orchestram will weave together vocal harmonies that are both intricate and stirring.
Good Shepherd Church is located at 2250 150 St. in South Surrey, while St. James Catholic Church is at 2777 Townline Rd., Abbotsford. Tickets (youth $10, general $35, seniors $30, family $75) are available online at chilliwacksymphony.com
Maestra Paula DeWit, seen here with members of Belle Voci and the Chilliwack Symphony’s Baroque Ensemble during a past performance, leads the Chilliwack Symphony in the Mozart Requiem, coming to South Surrey Nov. 9. (Black Press Media file photo)
It was another winning weekend for Earl Marriott’s senior girls AAAA Mariners, who won the annual Peace Arch Classic volleyball tournament –for the second year in a row.
Defending their championship title heading into the competition, the Mariners did not drop a single set, winning all three of their round-robin sets 2-0 on Friday (Oct. 25).
On playoff Saturday (Oct. 26), the EMS squad continued their undefeated play, winning the quarterfinal against North Vancouver’s Argyle 25-22 and 26-6; winning the semifinal vs. Burnaby Central 25-22, 25-19; and finishing the gold final against North Delta’s Seaquam 25-20 and 25-20 for the tournament title.
“The hours that (Semiahmoo teacher) Gord Houchen puts into organizing this tournament each fall, and the financial sponsorship of the Peace Arch News, is invaluable with respect to the support that girls high school volleyball in the area so richly deserves,” EMS senior girls head coach Rob Stevens said.
In the bronze-medal match, Burnaby Central defeated McMath of Richmond 2-0 (25-20, 25-17), Houchen noted in an email.
In the fifth-place match, Walnut Grove of Langley defeated Argyle 2-0.
Co-host Semiahmoo Thunderbirds took seventh place with 2-0 set victory over Langley’s Brookswood, while Cloverdale’s Salish Secondary defeated WJ Mouat to finish ninth. White Rock Christian’s AAAA team finished 11, and Grandview Heights finished in the 13 spot in the 20-team tournament, Houchen said.
Earl Marriott’s quad-A girls are enjoying a remarkable season since largely, the same group of players won the Grade 9 and Junior Provincial Championships in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
The PAN Classic is the third major tournament the EMS Mariners have won this season, having won the Douglas College Tournament in Coquitlam on Sept. 28 and the KSS Best of the West tournament in Kelowna on Oct. 19, defeating the team’s provincial rivals, Okanagan Mission, in both finals.
Mariners earned the No. 1 ranking in the B.C. School Sports weekly appraisal of the Province’s AAAA volleyball teams after their Sept. 28 win and have kept the honour for four consecutive weeks.
“I am so proud of how this team has
overcome adversity throughout the season, how our older players provide a culture of leadership, and how hard our younger athletes have worked to contribute to our team’s success,” Stevens said.
“I think this may be a team of destiny, as everyone puts the team before themselves.”
Mariners will host the 2024 Provincial Championships at Earl Marriott Nov. 28-30, along with Seaquam Secondary in North Delta.
Surrey Eagles join with prospects league, create new academy
High-level hockey players in Surrey – and its surrounding environs – had better lace up their skates.
There’s a new hockey academy in town, now that the Surrey Eagles have joined the Junior Prospects Hockey League
The move, announced on Monday (Oct. 28), means there will be two new JPHL teams, one
14U and the other, 18U (14U means players under the age of 14 born in 2012 or 2013; 18U is for players born in 2008 or 2009) starting in the 2025-2026 season.
While that may seem quite a way off, tryouts are already scheduled for Nov. 11 and Nov. 27, with another likely in January sometime, noted Ron Brar, who co-owns the British Columbia Hockey League team with his brother TJ Brar.
“It’s monumental for the City of Surrey,”he said Monday, and added the organization was granted ‘hub’status by the JPHL after an extensive review.
“I think the big win with the championship (Eagles won the BCHL’s Fred Page Cup last season), it allowed us to really showcase what the city can do…it’s pretty outstanding.”
Brar and Surrey Eagles head coach Scott Gomez, a former NHL player and coach, pointed
out the new academy means players won’t have to leave the city to acquire the skills and development required of junior hockey players.
“It provides the opportunity for kids to stay local while they play hockey, and develop their game,” Gomez said.
“People don’t know what it’s like, at that age… it can be tough.”
Earl Marriott (right) senior AAAA girls play against Elgin Park during the first game of the Peace Ach Classic tournament in Surrey on Friday (Oct. 25). Mariners won the tournament, which they also won in 2023. (Anna Burns/Surrey Now-Leader)
The Mariners won the tournament again, after also claiming the championship title in 2023. (Anna Burns/ Surrey Now-Leader)
Tricia Weel
South Surrey-based team celebrates Punjabi Night Friday
Continued from A22
Brar, whose son plays high-level hockey, agreed. “(Always travelling outside the city) is tremendous stress on families financially as well as travel time for kids. There’s charter buses that arrive and take our students out of Surrey every day, Monday through Friday, to other cities in the Lower Mainland…so they can develop as hockey players and athletes,” he said.
“Now, the residents of Surrey will be able to get that same high level of training here within our city walls and even, potentially, attract others here.”
He noted the city’s continued support in youth sports and essential infrastruc-
ture, helped make the new academy possible, and added the JPHL is renowned for its competitive environment and focus on player development, making it the perfectplatformforaspiringhockeystars.
Players will receive comprehensive training that goes beyond the ice, focusing on skill advancement, sportsmanship, and character building, Brar added.
“It’s pretty exciting for Surrey, and for kids in the city and outlying areas…it gives this incredible pathway (for player development),” he said.
Gomez said he and the entire organization are excited to embark on this new journey, on and off the ice.
“It’s a great opportunity for young
players,” he said.
Hockey players interested in trying out for the two new JPHL teams can register at surreyeagles.net
After playing in Coquitlam Wednesday (Oct. 30), Eagles are back on their home ice at South Surrey Arena this Friday (Nov. 1) vs. Langley Rivermen, with a 7 p.m. puck drop.
It is also the third annual Punjabi Night at The Nest, an event that has grown in popularity over the past two seasons, which features music and celebration of the culture, with players wearing special jerseys to commemorate the event. For tickets or more information, visit the team’s website
White Rock Christian Academy set to host alumni event Nov. 1
It’s going to get loud at White Rock Christian Academy this Friday.
That’s when the school is hosting an alumni night that will feature three volleyball games as well as WRCA alum Chad Joiner, with his MEI Screaming Eagles marching band, who often perform at CFL games and other massive events.
Hosted at the Surrey school, located at 2265 152 St., WRCA coach Scott Allen said the Nov. 1 event could be a sellout.
Allen, who coached volleyball at WRCA before switching to coaching basketball at Trinity Western Uni-
versity, is now back with volleyball at the Academy, and remembered how schools used to do battle of the bands, and how much fun it was.
“One of our alumni, Chad Joiner – he has a marching band…we asked them to come out and do a little entertaining in between time outs an in between games,” he said.
“They’re quite something to actually watch!”
There will also be three volleyball games to watch, starting at 3:30 p.m. with the junior boys, then junior girls at 5 p.m., with the senior WRCA girls A team playing their MEI rivals at 7 p.m.
“Our girls are ranked No. 1 in B.C.
right now,” Allen noted.
The school will also be retiring the names of of former coach, Doug Lopushinsky, and player Gabriel Dix, in memoriam, with a banner ceremony.
Everyone who attends is also encouraged to wear white in supports of WRCA’s teams; the band will start playing shortly before 7 p.m.
“It’s open to the community and everyone is invited,” Allen said.
The event will also feature an onsite BBQ.
Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for students.
Visit wrca.ca for more information.
Tricia Weel
MEI’s Screaming Eagles marching band will perform at a White Rock Christian Academy alumni event this Friday (Nov. 1) at the Surrey school. (Contributed to Peace Arch News)
Surrey Eagles during a game vs. the Cowichan Valley Capitals Sept. 22 at ‘The Nest’ in South Surrey. The BCHL team has joined with the Junior Prospects Hockey League to offer more opportunity for young hockey players on the Semiahmoo Peninsula. (Tricia Weel/Peace Arch News)
Place your condolences online. (Visit your local newspaper website, obituary page)
In loving memory of George William Burden
George William Burden, 81, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024, at Laurel Place Hospice in Surrey, BC. Born in Rossland, BC, on October 5, 1943, George was known for his kind and steadfast nature, a man of quiet strength who was always positive, friendly, and encouraging.
GeorgetrulybelievedthatMath is Fun. He spent his career as a Math teacher in Delta, where his passion for teaching and his encouraging nature left a lasting impact on countless students. Outside of work, he was an active member ofWhite Rock Baptist Church and then Cloverdale Baptist Church. George cherished time spent with friends, prioritizing early morning walks, curling, meeting for coffee and other get togethers.
George’s family was the cornerstone of his life. He was a loving father to Brent (Priscilla), Sher (Jim), and Taralyn, and a doting grandfather to Daniel (Kairi), Ben (Jett),Tiana (Nick), Isaiah (Hadas), and Dylan. George also delighted in his role as a great-grandfather to Silas, Oli, Alexei, and Elena. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marley Burden.
A service to celebrate George’s life will be held at Cloverdale Baptist Church on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.
Beautiful are memories of a moonlit night with you, The spark of love we lit and all the world felt new. My heart told me I’d known you, in times so long ago, Something deep inside me had set my soul aglow. Soul-mates re-united, bound by the ties of past, Through each and every age this perfect love will last. So at our journey’s end and the time has come to part,
An endless cord of love will link us heart to heart.
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