North Shore News May 10 2015

SUNDAY May

10 2015

FOCUS 3

Boxer goes another round LIVE 11

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Fire leaves 26 families homeless

Blaze rips through coop housing complex

MARIA SPITALE-LEISK mspitale-leisk@nsnews.com

As many as 26 families were forced out of their homes after a two-alarm fire tore through a co-op housing complex in the Seymour area Thursday night.

District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue was called to the blaze at Hamber Place and Mount Seymour Road shortly before 8 p.m., said Jason Deroy, assistant fire chief.

Fire crews arrived at the scene to find one cluster of wood frame townhouses in the River Woods Co-op fully engulfed, and heavy smoke and flames visible.

Twenty District of North Vancouver firefighters and seven others from West Vancouver tackled the blaze, which spread rapidly through a shared attic space in the complex.

Denise Wait was sitting at the computer inside her townhouse, 200 feet away from where the first flames were spotted, when she heard someone banging at the door.

She emerged from her home to find her neighbours wandering around the pathway screaming, and quickly ran back inside to grab her son Jake, along with their passports and ID. “We lost everything — just brutal,”Wait said Friday morning from a Burnaby hotel where her family spent the night. “I cried while breathing in the

-W(_O[Y$_(& 9;$$R_ ; 9R;@_ ;$ $Y_ *We_( !,,4& 0,>,+ Y,"&WP[ 7,Q+R_b 'Y"(&4;B _e_PWP[= .e_(B,P_ _&7;+_4 $Y_ O(_ "PY;(Q_4 9"$ ; P"Q9_( ,] ];QWRW_& Y;e_ 9__P ],(7_4 ,"$ ,] $Y_W( Y,Q_&= CME'E PAUL MCGRATH

acrid smoke.We left with the clothes on our backs, Jake and I.” A firewall at the centre of the building contained most of the flames to the east side.

“I’d say within the first couple of hours (the firefighters) got good control of it,” said Deroy.

While the fire didn’t cause any serious injuries, two people were treated for smoke inhalation at the See Community page 5

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West Van man charged with murder TEREZA VERENCA reporter@nsnews.com

Li Zhao, the West Vancouver man accused of interfering with a body in connection with a death in the British Properties last weekend, has now been charged with second-degree murder in the case.

Late May 2, Vancouver police received information

that a violent confrontation had occurred at Zhao’s British Properties home at 963 King George’s Way earlier that day. West Vancouver officers, with the help of the Vancouver Police Department, immediately secured the area around the home.

Zhao was arrested early Sunday morning.

The 42-year-old victim, Gang Yuan, was reportedly

Zhao’s wife’s cousin, according to acting duty counsel David Forsyth.

“I’m advised that they were in some sort of business relationship,” he said.

West Vancouver Police spokesman Const. Jeff Palmer could not provide further details about the altercation, but did say there is still a possibility of more charges. The forensic team, which spent days

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The charge of interfering with a dead body, laid against Zhao earlier this week, is connected to allegations Zhao cut up his victim after death.

The 54-year-old is scheduled to appear in North Vancouver provincial court on Monday, May 11.

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A2 - North Shore News - Sunday, May 10, 2015

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Regular dental cleanings will likely reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes.

Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place and is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. If diagnosed early, it can be treated and reversed.

Studies show that 85% of people with persistent bad breath have a dental problem that is to blame.

Good oral hygiene is essential in preventing bad breath. If treatment is not received, a more serious and advanced stage of gum disease may follow, leading to tooth loss. Regular dental cleanings and checkups are key factors in preventing this from happening.

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Dr. Rahmany and the hygienists at Skyline Dental Centre will be able to detect any early signs of problems with your teeth and gums. Early detection of cavities, broken fillings and gum disease are easily treatable. If these problems go untreated, root canals, gum surgery and removal of teeth could become the only treatment options available. Your hygienist will help to ensure that you are maintaining your oral health and will put you back on the right path if you fall off track with your oral care.

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Sunday, May 10, 2015 - North Shore News - A3

FOCUS

Former champ goes another round Bare knuckle blow faced by boxing star wasn’t in ring

ANDY PREST aprest@nsnews.com

Picture NorthVancouver’s Lara Cubitt, a woman who was so dominant in the boxing ring that she won two Canadian titles and went toe-to-with a world champion, locked in one of the fights of her life.

This intense struggle pits Cubitt against . . . an instant breakfast. Ravaged by relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, the woman who at one time was compared favourably to Laila Ali summons the strength to get off the couch and attempts to make the “instant” meal that will power her return trip back to the couch. It does not go well.

“I remember just thinking, ‘What the f**k!?

This is not instant!’” Cubitt, now 35, says as she recalled the story from her sunsoaked Lower Lonsdale -,(Q_( 9,bWP[ 7Y;Q+W,P I;(; 0"9W$$ +(;7$W7_& B,[; ;$ Y_( ;+;($Q_P$ WP I,d_( I,P&4;R_= CME'E KEVIN HILL apartment. She, too, is glowing as she tells the story, showing verve and volume intensely painful. But I stayed in.” in complete contrast with the struggles she describes. “You’ve a teacher (“no shots were thrown” she says) and back to It was, in fact, Cubitt’s determination to stay in, rather Sutherland where she graduated a year late. In the meantime got like a five-step process here, goddammit! I’ve got to get than her boxing prowess, that caught the coaches’ attention. she took up bodybuilding, which turned into kickboxing, off the couch to the fridge, get the milk out and just stand “I was covered in blood when I came out.They told me I which eventually led to Vancouver’s famed — and famously there and rest for a bit.Then open the pack, pour the milk kept going forward.They liked this.” grimy — Astoria Boxing Club. in. Sit down.Wait. Rest. And then be like, OK, big move here With that, Cubitt was an Astoria boxer. A little more than “I was a wild child and people were like, ‘I bet you’d just — gotta shake it up. Shake it!” a year later she took her first real fight, ready or not.Tucked kick ass,’” she says, describing how she ended up tagging Boxing is full of amazing stories ranging from real-life Joe away in some small Fraser Valley club, Cubitt barely listened along with a friend who told her she’d like it at the Astoria Louis sending Adolf Hitler into a rage by defeating German as her coaches told her the rules of the ring. club. Cubitt, then 18 years old, did not like it. Not at first, world champion Max Schmeling, to fictional Rocky Balboa “They told me if you knock her down and hurt the girl, anyway. ending the Cold War with his win over Ivan Drago at the end you need to go to a neutral corner,” she says. Soon thereafter, “What the hell would make this guy think I’d like this?” of Rocky IV. None of those stories, however, likely featured a Cubitt knocked her opponent down. “I looked up and was she says. “It smells like beer and kind of pee . . . (there’s a) battle against a breakfast drink. like, ‘Oh crap, where do I go?’ I went to my corner, then to bunch of people yelling at each other. And it’s like, dirty.”

But this isn’t a regular boxing story.There isn’t even her corner, then to the neutral corner. George was like, ‘The Word got back to her, however, that George Angelomatis, a big boxing match at the end. But there is a fighter — a white corner! What is wrong with you?! So then I come back an actual judge who presided over the boxing club when he powerful one who fought back when life threatened to knock out and knock her down again and then it’s over. It was all wasn’t banging his gavel in a courtroom, asked about her her off her feet for good. She’s gotten herself up off the mat over in 30 seconds. I didn’t even fight, I didn’t even know after her first appearance at the club.

— traded it in for one more suited to yoga, in fact — and what happened.”

“Really? They asked about me?” Cubitt recalls thinking at she’s got a message she wants to pass on to anyone else who What happened was the first win — an emphatic one at the time. “Yeah?Yeah! I’m going to go back.” has been knocked down by multiple sclerosis, by illness, by that — for a future champion.

First, however, she needed a wardrobe change. life: keep fighting.

••• “I did come down there in my fancy pants,” she says with ••• “She moves in the ring with a natural, impressive fluidity. a laugh, describing her original outfit as a G-string under thin Cubitt is a little sheepish about why she bounced around Smooth combinations, nice footwork, sharp and precise body white tights, with a cropped top shirt. She quickly realized so many North Vancouver high schools. Born to a close-knit movements.”That was how writer Timothy Taylor described and loving family — a British immigrant father, who for years that kind of outfit did not mix well with the sweat and blood Cubitt in a long feature about the rise of women’s boxing flying around the place. has worked as a stockbroker for Odlum Brown; a supportive published in a 2003 edition of chic men’s lifestyle magazine “It was like I was teaching some kind of step class or French Canadian mother who has dabbled in many things, Toro. By then Cubitt had already claimed her first Canadian something,” she says. “I realized I might need people to take including garden design; and a younger sister who also me a little more serious. Nobody’s at the Astoria to be the sex title at 22 and was gaining fame as a photogenic fighter who still lives in North Vancouver with two children of her own looked like a wholesome fitness model and punched like a kitten.”

— Cubitt says she led a little-miss-perfect life until she hit pile driver.

When she was suitably attired, it didn’t take long for Grade 8 and couldn’t keep up the act.

“Cubitt may be seen as part of the next generation of Angelomatis and Terry Cooke, the man who would become “I couldn’t handle it anymore and went in a completely female fighters. . . . Fighters in whom we might finally see her main coach, to get her into the ring for a sparring session different direction,” she says. “I was an angry little teenager. the potential of Dallas Malloy, Christy Martin, and Laila Ali against one of the club’s female boxers.

I hated school. At the time I was just, I don’t know, maybe (I combined. Credibility and popularity finally realized,”Taylor “They don’t take it easy on you.They’re just like, get was) just like a hormonal teenager fueled with some kind of wrote. in there and let’s see what’s up. I went in there — I started fire.”

Her old coach Terry Cooke says Cubitt was good boxer bleeding probably in the first 20 seconds.”

Her scholastic path took her to Sutherland secondary, and, more importantly, a great student right from the start.

Cubitt has vivid memories of getting blasted in the nose where she dropped out; Keith Lynn alternative school, which for the first time. didn’t go all the way to Grade 12; Carson Graham, where “You can’t even think.Your brain goes numb. It’s so she was kicked out following a physical altercation with See Fighter page 9

A4 - North Shore News - Sunday, May 10, 2015

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Sunday, May 10, 2015 - North Shore News - A5

Community offers support

NV men allege sex abuse by celebrity

scene by B.C. Ambulance Service.

Smoke from the blaze billowed through the Parkgate neighbourhood and forced a temporary closure of nearby Mount Seymour Road.

It’s too early to say what caused the blaze, said Deroy, but district fire investigators returned to the scene Friday morning along with North Vancouver RCMP to continue searching for clues.

Residents were seen comforting each other outside the charred complex Friday morning, while firefighters wearing protective masks emerged with a couple of chinchillas that survived the blaze.

However, not all the pets have been accounted for.

“There was a request, somebody had a cat in one of the suites, and it was checked multiple times,” said Deroy, adding, firefighters came back empty-handed.

Residents of the affected 26 River Woods units, which houses single parents, seniors and low-income families, are now trying to get back on their feet again.

Under the provincial Emergency Social Services program, people forced to leave their home in an emergency are provided with 72 hours of food, clothing and shelter assistance.

TEREZA VERENCA reporter@nsnews.com

From page 1

-W(_O[Y$_(& (_&7"_4 &,Q_ +_$& ](,Q $Y_ Y,"&WP[ 7,Q+R_b -(W4;B Q,(PWP[? WP7R"4WP[ $Y_&_ 7YWP7YWRR;&= CME'E PAUL MCGRATH “However, we expect some of these people will be out longer than 72 hours, so we are trying to plan for that contingency,” said Mike Andrews, emergency planning officer with the North Shore Emergency Management Office.

River Woods Co-op president Diane Bennett said Friday afternoon all residents affected by the fire have tenant’s insurance and will be provided with temporary accomadations until they can return home.

Bennett has been told a preliminary assessment

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from district fire officials indicates the building is fixable, but in the worst case scenario it may be eight to 10 months before residents can go back home.

In the aftermath of the fire there has been an outpouring of support from the community.

Residents at the adjacent Mount Seymour Park

Co-op sprung into action right away offering coffee and their couches for their displaced neighbours to sleep on.

“The community has been amazing,” said Bennett. “Complete strangers have showed up with gift certificates — it’s unbelievable, it’s overwhelming.”

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Two North Vancouver men are suing one of India’s biggest celebrities for alleged sexual abuse.

Jimmy Mistry, 33, and Percy Shroff, 40, have both filed civil lawsuits in B.C. Supreme Court against 53year-old Shiamak Davar, a dance teacher whose choreography has been featured in blockbusters like Mission Impossible 4.

Davar divides his time between Mumbai and North Vancouver.

In their lawsuit, Mistry and Shroff allege Davar is a controlling leader of a sect called VRRP Spiritual Learning, a group they were a part of during their teen and adult years.

The pair also claim they endured unwanted sexual advances, like kissing on the lips and masturbation, while they were working for Davar’s dance company.

In a written response to the allegations, Davar has denied them completely.

“Even though I am extremely anxious to speak the truth, I have been advised not to do so publicly by my lawyer, David Crossin, as this matter is now before the court. I have total faith in the justice system of British Columbia that my name shall be cleared on all accounts,” Davar said in an emailed statement.

Shroff’s lawsuit claims Davar repeatedly pressured the then 16 or 17 year old to talk about his feelings towards other men, and when he didn’t, Davar told him his soul would not move ahead spiritually.

Not yet conscious of being gay, Shroff alleged he was “stunned” when Davar reportedly called one day to say, “I know your secret.”

Sexual acts followed, See Davar page 7

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A6 - North Shore News - Sunday, May 10, 2015

VIEWPOINT PUBLISHED BY NORTH SHORE NEWS A DIVISION OF LMP PUBLICATION LTD. PARTNERSHIP, 100-126 EAST 15TH ST., NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C. V7L 2P9. PETER KVARNSTROM, PUBLISHER. CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL SALES PRODUCT AGREEMENT NO. 40010186.

It takes a village M

other’s Day, as recognized by the Hallmark holiday cards, is traditionally one that runs to saccharine.

There are lots of flowery sentiments.

Everyone loves moms (and apple pie). Just ask any of our politicians, who are quick to champion “family values” on the hustings.

Mothers in their idealized form are easy to adore. (Think of Kate Middleton, who hours after giving birth this week, stepped out in front of the paparazzi looking like she just had a day at the spa.)

But most mothers, and parents in general, struggle in ways we find hard to acknowledge.

As a society, we still don’t do enough to help.We don’t have to look too far to find examples.

Consider the White Rock councillor who recently felt compelled to share his

MAILBOX

distaste for the sight of pregnant women’s bodies.

Closer to home, every time the topic of daycare comes up in council chambers, you’d think neighbours feared living next to wolverine compounds rather than places that help parents care for small humans.

Many mothers face more serious disadvantages. Single mothers try to provide for their kids on thoroughly inadequate funds. Programs that provide support for kids who have physical, mental or behavioural challenges are chronically under-resourced.

The truth is, where we put our support and our dollars is where the rubber hits the road on family values. Helping mothers do the important job of raising the next generation will mean everything to the world we face in the future.

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The North Shore News reserves the right to edit any and/or all letters to the editor based on length, clarity, legality and content.The News also reserves the right to publish any and/or all letters electronically.

Decision on towers was already made

Dear Editor: Re:Work to Start on Seylynn’s Second Tower, published May 3.

Thank you once again for highlighting those issues that are important in our community — Seylynn, whether you are for or against, is one of those issues, but please, put me down as against.

Your recent story reflected support from me for those towers, but the story needed more info, so I will take this opportunity. Council’s greatest power, in my opinion, is land use decisions. Those

decisions are made through various processes, the main one being the rezoning stage, where a piece of property can go from one state, say, single family house, to another, like multi-family towers.

This is where the community has the greatest opportunity to voice their opinions and for council to vote in favour or against.When rezoning Seylynn I voted against along with Coun. MacKay Dunn and former Coun. Mike Little.The density at Seylynn was too great, towers too high and the siting was too close to Highway 1.We all know

how that vote turned out. After this decision comes the development permit decision.That decision was the one your story was about.This is to determine the look of the building, and under current legislation and law, support is for whether you like the colour, landscaping, and architectural design, among elements — not how many floors there are. I supported the look under those rules.

If I could have done something else, I would have.

Coun. Lisa Muri District of North Vancouver

Keep it up seniors, you’re an inspiration to all of us Dear Editor: On turning 80: In a few weeks I shall be an octogenarian!

I still have all my marbles, I don’t need a walker and I don’t dribble when I eat.

My blood pressure is a little high and I get out of breath more quickly than I used to.

I have many friends and acquaintances who are in their 80s and I admire their enthusiasm for learning new skills and keeping up with modern technology. It is not so easy for us as we have had to learn it late in life. We do our

CONTACTUS

best to figure out iPads, iPhones and the server we need to keep us in touch with emailing etc.

We do get a lot of support from our local communities — they shuttle us to the stores, to concerts if necessary and visits to the hospital.

Some of us who have the means are lucky to travel to such exotic places as India and the Far East. Those who can’t can still take in wonderful day trips to Whistler and the Gulf Islands.

Our generation has lived through the

Second World War, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Having lost friends and spouses over the years, it makes us more conscious of how precious life is and the value of family.

For those of us lucky to have grandchildren, we get great pleasure from watching them grow up, graduate and then marry.

Some days it may be an effort to get going, but keep at it all you wonderful 80-year-olds!

Imelda Davis West Vancouver

THEY SAID IT

“Hopefully, we will be up and running — and not just to open and close, but to stay.”

Weeds co-owner MichaelWuest speaks about plans to open the first medical marijuana dispensary in NorthVancouver (from a May 8 news story).

“We told them this was for charity, that it was for kids, but they wouldn’t buy it.”

WestVancouver barber Michel Ibrahim talks about how 1,600 pounds of donated soccer equipment has been held up at the Beirut airport (from a May 8 news story).

“I don’t think we’re going to see too many people taking up million-dollarplus homes just to put in a daycare.”

NorthVancouver City Coun.

Linda Buchanan talks about proposed changes to daycare regulations in the city.

nsnews.com

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Sunday, May 10, 2015 - North Shore News - A7

Davar denies all allegations From page 5

including Davar making Shroff lie on top of him and “grind his crotch into the defendant’s”, according to Shroff’s claim.

Shroff was punished when he didn’t comply, the lawsuit states, with Davar taking him out of good dance roles.

Years later, Shroff married and had a child under pressure from group leaders, but Shroff claims Davar then ordered him to tell his wife he was gay after receiving a telepathic message from the spirit world. Shroff agreed and the two separated.

Shroff, whose ex-wife is still in the group, says in the lawsuit he wishes to protect his son from Davar’s control, which he fears could turn his son against him.

Mistry’s lawsuit alleges similar treatment, including sexual grooming reportedly starting at a similar age.

On one occasion, Mistry alleges he received a hickey on the neck from Davar.

Mistry also had a girlfriend, who he claims in the lawsuit he broke up with because he was afraid he would be thrown out of VRRP sect.

In his statement of defence filed on May 7, Davar denies every allegation in both lawsuits and says he never had sexual relations with any of his dancers.

In his statement of defence, Davar said Shroff confided in him that he

was being unfaithful in his marriage, regularly using homosexual chat rooms as an outlet.

Davar said during Shroff’s divorce, Davar attempted to remain neutral.

“The plaintiff would often contact Mr. Davar and beg for his support in the litigation, specifically in matters related to custody and access to his son,” the statement of defence reads.

After he denied repeated requests, Davar alleges Shroff told him, “I will ruin everything for you” and “I can’t wait to tell the whole world that you are gay . . . I have nothing to lose, and as a celebrity you have

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Balcony blaze doused

extinguished the blaze, which had broken through the porch window and had begun spreading into the suite.

Nobody was injured in the fire although the suite sustained both smoke and water damage.The cause of the fire hasn’t been determined, but Mike Cairns, assistant fire chief for the district, said the blaze was not suspicious. The deck contained no barbecue, cigarette butts or chemicals, Cairns confirmed.

— Chris Slater

Firefighters and police were called out May 3 to a balcony fire that broke out in one of theWoodcroft apartment towers in the District of North Vancouver.

District firefighters received multiple calls of a fire on the balcony of a suite on the 16th floor of the Seymour Tower at 2008 Fullerton Ave. around 8 p.m. Crews evacuated the building and forced their way into the suite, which had nobody home at the time.

Crews quickly

everything to lose.”

Davar is asking that the cases be dismissed.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

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A8 - North Shore News - Sunday, May 10, 2015

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Sunday, May 10, 2015 - North Shore News - A9

Fighter won national titles while MS set in From page 3

“She was very impressive. She learned.

I’ve had many good fighters, but the best ones, always you can teach them things. A lot of them you can’t teach them anything — you just throw them in there.”

The descriptions of her precise body movements and fierce work ethic are particularly jarring when you realize that this is around the time that multiple sclerosis was starting to slice her up from the inside out. Cubitt would come home from training sessions and collapse in pain and exhaustion.

“I would get into the ring and I wouldn’t be able to breath after about 30 seconds,” she says.The first time the symptoms hit they lasted for more than half a year and then went away, so she ramped up her training again and took home her second national title.That led to international fights, including a Canada versus France dual meet in April of 2003.There Cubitt was pitted against France’s Myriam Lamare, the world champion in the 63 kilogram class.

Her usual coach wasn’t able to attend so she had an unfamiliar face in her corner, which only added to the difficulty of facing a world champ while unknowingly battling MS. Still, she held her own, to the shock of many onlookers, including her cornerman.

“The guy seemed surprised that I wasn’t getting beat up and I was like, ‘Yo! I gotta win this here!You gotta help me out!’” She didn’t win, but she came out of the fight feeling like she left her mark. Literally, in fact.

“I came out clean and she . . . had a black eye from here to here. I was like, hey, that’s something.”

Her body was breaking though, and taking her mind with it. One of the snapping points came at a meet held in Kansas

where she got into the ring against the U.S. champion after spending a week depriving herself of water and running under the scorching Midwest sun in an effort to make weight.

“I couldn’t even remember my name,” she says. “I was going to fight someone who was good and sharp and southpaw. It was about 30 seconds. I got hit once and my coach was like, OK, you’re done. . . .There were signs that things weren’t quite right, that you shouldn’t be fighting these people right now.”

She kept on going though, moving up a weight class, going back to nationals and getting beaten up again.That’s around the time that Cooke told her he wouldn’t let her train anymore. Not with him at least.

“She was as good as anybody from around here,” Cooke says. “(But) she wasn’t able to perform like she should have been. . . . I told her to take a year off and see how she felt after that.”

The message was not well received.

“She was kind of pissed off with that,” Cooke says with a chuckle. “It turned out for the best. She wasn’t doing what she was capable of.”

Cubitt now knows that Cooke may have saved her from even more serious damage.

But back then?

“I was pissed! I was like, ‘This is my whole life! This is everything to me!’” says Cubitt, adding that she is now incredibly grateful that Cooke took the steps he did.

“He did it because something was not right. I fought one way, and suddenly I was different. I could feel it was different but I didn’t want to admit it was different. I wanted to just try harder. . . . If I’d known See Keep page 22

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THE LATEST NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM THE CITY OF NORTH VANCOUVER

Bike to Work Week May 25-31 City’s Builders’ CITY CELEBRATION STATION MAY 26 | 4PM - 6PM Forum: Electricity Bike to Work week is coming up and as part of the City's goal to be a sustainable community, we encourage you to get on your bike and switch up your commute to work. The City is hosting a Celebration Station on Tuesday, May 26 between 4pm and 6pm at 1st Street and Mackay Road. Come join us for free refreshments, prizes and mechanical services.

Details: cnv.org/BiketoWorkWeek

City To Host Rain Barrel Sales at Loutet Farm SUNDAY, MAY 24 AND JUNE 14 | 10AM - 3PM The City is holding its first ever Rain Barrel Sale to encourage residents to conserve water and help protect our creeks and streams. Having a rain barrel and harvesting water will not only reduce strain on our water system during the summer, but will help diminish stormwater run-off and its impacts on our local creeks, streams and ocean. Subsidized rain barrels will cost $45 for City residents with a valid ID (retail value $90) and $55 for non-residents. So come on down, do your bit for water conservation and buy a barrel! You can also pre-order online.

CITY HALL, THURSDAY,MAY 21 5PM - 7PM (PRESENTATION @ 5:30) Calling all builders, contractors and designers — changes are coming to the Canadian Electrical Code and the City is here to help you. At this forum, we'll cover the City’s new online Permitting and Inspection process, the upcoming Electrical Code changes, new electrical installation requirements to support greener building construction, and tips to help your job run smoother and more efficiently. We’ll walk you through the changes and highlight what City staff will be looking for.

Details: cnv.org/BuildersForum

City View Goes Digital SIGN UP TODAY VIA CITYCONNECTS City View Ads have gone digital. The City now offers an e-newsletter and expanded version of the City View Ad. City information delivered right to your inbox in an easy to read, pictorial e-newsletter. For convenience, links are embedded into the text, simply click for more information. Sign up today — click the CityConnect logo on the City’s website homepage then follow the directions.

Details at: cnv.org/CityConnect

Tickets for Slide the City TICKETS ON SALE TUESDAY, MAY 12 Get your tickets for the City’s big event of the Summer, Slide the City! Tickets are available online from May 12 and begin at $10 for a single slide and $45 for unlimited slides. The earlier you buy, the cheaper the tickets. A percentage of all sales will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.

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A10 - North Shore News - Sunday, May 10, 2015

BRIGHT LIGHTS

Parkgate volunteer appreciation

by Paul McGrath

Manfred Lai ;P4 Amina Elnantari

),7W_$B e,R"P$__( 7,>,(4WP;$,( Alison Caldwell Johnson ;P4 Anne Mooi? O(&$ _b_7"$We_ 4W(_7$,( Representatives of the Parkgate Community Services Society held their annual Volunteer Appreciation Event at Parkgate Community Centre on April 16. More than 80 guests were in attendance at the celebration, intended to honour the more than 21,500 hours provided by 362 volunteers in 2014. A number of awards were also given out, including the Anne Mooi Volunteer of theYear Award, the society’s two Student Volunteer Awards (worth $600 each), and the North Shore Community Volunteer Spirit Award.The society works with North Vancouver Recreation & Culture to provide a host of programs and services for community members of all ages and abilities at Parkgate Community Centre. myparkgate.com

Tony Carabetta? Brenda Carlson ;P4 Sara Sutherland

Chelsea Forsyth ;P4 Alison Innes

Ryleigh Logan

),7W_$B _b_7"$We_ 4W(_7$,( Cathy Paterson ;P4 9,;(4 +(_&W4_P$ David Evans

Marj ;P4 Gary Krueger

Isabelle Kennedy? Paula Schaffer ;P4 Joanne Brook

Please direct requests for event coverage to: emcphee@nsnews.com. For more Bright Lights photos, go to: nsnews.com/community/bright-lights.

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Sunday, May 10, 2015 - North Shore News - A11

YOUR NORTH SHORE GUIDE to ACTIVE LIVING

Relay remodelled for 2015 Annual cancer fundraiser seeking participants

■ North Shore Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society, Saturday, June 20, 4-10 p.m., at Mahon Park, North Vancouver. All ages. relayforlife. ca/northshorebc ERIN MCPHEE emcphee@nsnews.com

ROSACEA HELP A new North Shorebased national organization is presenting a free talk this week at WestVancouver Memorial Library. page 12 HEALTH NOTES page 12

Community members are encouraged to register for the Canadian Cancer Society’s North Shore Relay for Life, which, since its inception in 2003, has raised $2.8 million for research and support programs serving local people affected by the disease.

For 2015, organizers have decided to change the format of the event, previously 12 hours in duration. Supporters are encouraged to challenge themselves to walk or run distances ranging from five kilometres to a full marathon on their own or as part of a team, between 4 and 10 p.m. at North Vancouver’s Mahon Park, Saturday, June 20.

“We’ve been seeing a bit of a downward trend over the last four to five years in relay participation, not just in North Vancouver, but province-wide,” says event spokeswoman Brooke Sherwood, team lead of community giving for the greater Vancouver area, for the Canadian Cancer Society, B.C. and Yukon Division.

“We know people have busy lives and so after talking about it a little bit the feedback we got was that, ‘Hey, you know what? We really want to support you, but 12 hours

G,($Y )Y,(_ *_R;B ],( IW]_3& H;"(__P '"(P_( ;P4 1(,,T_ )Y_(d,,4? ;P4 +;($W7W+;P$ ;P4 7;P7_( &"(eWe,( C_$_( 'dW&$ _P7,"(;[_ 7,QQ"PW$B Q_Q9_(& $, (_[W&$_( ],( $Y_ "+7,QWP[ (_R;B? K"P_ 5: ;$ H;Y,P C;(T= CME'E MIKE WAKEFIELD is a long time.We understand why it’s 12 hours because it’s supposed to be difficult because a cancer journey is not easy and that’s what it’s supposed to emulate.’ So we said, ‘You know what, what if we switched it to six?’ So this year we are really excited about having a condensed, six-hour format that still captures the pillars of the event, which includes our luminary ceremony and our survivor celebration,” she says.

Peter Twist, president and CEO of Twist Sport Conditioning, has

been supporting the North Shore Relay for Life for the last three years.

“It’s a great sense of friendship and community. I go there to help support it and raise some money for a very important cause that many, many people unfortunately are going to need to draw upon,” says Twist, a cancer survivor. He has put together a team of staff and clients for this year’s event.

Twist encourages anyone who has been touched by cancer directly or within their friend and family

networks to participate.

“It is a pretty meaningful day. I think it can be very motivating and very healing for people at the same time if they’ve been associated, even loosely, with cancer. It can be a great thing for them to experience,” he says.

In addition to the physical challenge, relay participants will be treated to festivities, including a silent auction, massages, children’s activities, food as well as entertainment by band Me and Mae.

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A12 - North Shore News - Sunday, May 10, 2015

LIVE

Rosacea help offered at lecture Tuesday ■ Rosacea Help: A free talk presented by the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada, featuring dermatologist Dr. Marcie Ulmer,Tuesday, May 12, 7:30-8:30 p.m. atWest Vancouver Memorial Library. rosaceahelp.ca ERIN MCPHEE emcphee@nsnews.com

A new national organization based in NorthVancouver is dedicated to offering awareness, hope and help to people suffering from rosacea, a common, chronic inflammatory skin condition presenting as redness on the face, affecting an estimated two million Canadian adults.

North Vancouver

resident Sue Sherlock is the chairwoman and executive director of the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada, launched in January 2014 by a group of dermatologists, communicators and educators from across the country who were interested in making it easier for community members to find reputable, current information on acne and rosacea. “Our big concern and a major driver in setting up the society is that acne and rosacea affect the face in most cases — the first thing people see — and can have significant emotional effects from low self-esteem to embarrassment, social anxiety and even depression in some,” says Sherlock.

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society are focused on raising awareness of the condition, allowing more patients to be properly diagnosed and in turn explore effective treatment options.

Deep Cove married, mother of two, Cathy Grehan, 48, is pleased to be serving as the society’s national patient spokeswoman.

“I had the experience of it and just knowing how hard it is, hopefully I can help (others),” says Grehan, who works as a nurse.

While she recalls suffering from facial redness and acne since her teenage years, Grehan wasn’t diagnosed with rosacea (with an acne component) until recently when it was at its worst, causing her to seek help from a dermatologist. “I’ve had some treatment around that and basically my acne has cleared up, my redness has cleared up. It’s life-changing really,” she says.

The society is presenting Rosacea Help, a free, one-hour talk by Pacific Dermaesthetics dermatologist Dr. Marcie Ulmer,Tuesday, May 12, at 7:30 p.m. at the West Vancouver Memorial

Library. North Shore residents are invited to learn about rosacea, the various signs and symptoms, who is at higher risk, environmental and lifestyle triggers, and skin care and treatment options. “Although we don’t have a cure for rosacea there are many safe and effective medical treatments to minimize the signs and symptoms,” says Ulmer, a member of the society’s medical committee. She’s also a clinical instructor in the University of British Columbia’s Department of Dermatology and Skin Science. “It’s so nice when you see a patient in followup who comes in standing a little taller, or with no makeup, or with their hair pulled back instead of it covering their face. It’s always wonderful to hear

/(= H;(7W_ %RQ_( aR_]$A? ;P4 0;$YB N(_Y;P a;9,e_A ;(_ ;Q,P[ $Y,&_ R_P4WP[ $Y_W( e,W7_& $, $Y_ P_d G,($Y #;P7,"e_(>9;&_4 27P_ ;P4 *,&;7_; ),7W_$B ,] 0;P;4;= CME'E PAUL MCGRATH that someone is feeling more confident and positive about their skin,” she says.

The society is also presenting a session for health care professionals who

work with youth, ages 12-26, entitled Acne andYouth, a talk by dermatologist and global acne researcher Dr. Jerry Tan, June 8 in Vancouver. acneaction.ca

Valley Rd., North Vancouver.

Registration required. 604984-0286 x8144 nvdpl.ca

AND SIGNING Rhema Orech will talk about her book God is Concerned About You Sunday, May 17, 2-4 p.m. at the Silk Purse Arts Centre, 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver.

Covered under many extended health plans.

Health Notes

“KEEPING YOU IN MOTION”

Congratulations to David Harrington on 30 years of physiotherapy practice!

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CELTIC SERVICE Everyone is welcome for an hour of Celtic music interspersed with readings, reflection and prayer Sunday, May 10, 4 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church, 1044 St. Georges Ave., North Vancouver. 604-9850408 st-andrews-united.ca HEALTH MATTERS LECTURE SERIES Monthly health talks will be offered by Liberation Fitness in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health

North Shore Chronic Disease Team at Liberation Fitness, 200-101 West 16th St., North Vancouver.

Topics for Monday, May 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m. will include heart disease and mental health, and heart disease and exercise.

Free. liberationfitness.ca/ healthmatterslectureseries HEALTH BOOK TALK Anne Marie Evers will give a lecture and sign her new book 70Ways to Cope with Chemo and Other Medical Treatments Wednesday, May 13, 7-8:30 p.m. at Lynn Valley Library, 1277 Lynn

PRESSURE POINT RELEASE CLASS A free personalized small-group hip mobilization class Thursdays, 4:30 p.m., taught at Body Works Sports Physiotherapy, 420-233 West First St., North Vancouver.The class will focus on techniques that can help prevent low back pain, including education, foam rolling, pressure point release, stretching, and core activation. 604-983-6616 BOOK PRESENTATION

TAIZÉ CONTEMPLATIVE SERVICE Everyone is welcome to a contemplative candlelight service with music,Taizé songs, silences and prayer Sunday, May 17, 4 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church, 1044 St. Georges Ave., North Vancouver. 604-985-0408 st-andrews-united.ca THREE TIME WINNER OF

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FIT&HEALTHY Sunday, May 10, 2015 - North Shore News - A13 Advertisement

Healthy Hormones: From PMS to Infertility.

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Dr. Coolsaet explaining a patient’s lab results.

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A14 - North Shore News - Sunday, May 10, 2015

Community Bulletin Board LGH VIGIL The annual Mother’s Day vigil will take place Sunday, May 10, 2-3 p.m. on the 13th Street side of Lions Gate Hospital, North Vancouver.

MOVE FOR HEALTH DAY COMMUNITY WALK The North Vancouver Recreation and Culture Commission will host a free guided walk along the Spirit Trail Sunday, May 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.This is an opportunity to discover the new walking trail along the waterfront section in North Vancouver. Open to all fitness levels. Meet at Shipbuilders’ Square, 138 Victory Ship Way. CANADIAN FEDERATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMENWEST VANCOUVER The federation is having an annual general meeting Monday, May 11, 6 p.m. at the West Vancouver Yacht Club, 5854 Marine Dr. Guest speaker will be Chris Kennedy, CEO and superintendent of West Vancouver Schools. All women welcome. cfuwnvwv.vcn.bc.ca GETTING STARTED WITH PINTEREST Dive

into Pinterest to get inspired and organized Tuesday, May 12, 2-3:30 p.m. at West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Dr. Registration required. 604925-7405 A NIGHT WITH GRIZZLIES Learn about why grizzly bears matter, what is known from science, and more Tuesday, May 12, 7 p.m. at Centennial Theatre, 2300 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver.

Includes guest speakers and an information gallery before the show. $15/$10.

604-984-4484 ctcboxoffice@ nvrc.ca ONE-ON-ONE TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE A free half-hour of personalized help with the Internet, email, word processing, social media or e-readers Wednesday, May 13, between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Lynn Valley Library, 1277 Lynn Valley Rd., North Vancouver. Register at 604-984-0286 x8144. nvdpl.ca POLICE WEEK SHOWCASE The North Vancouver RCMP is inviting the public to displays, demonstrations, contests and more Wednesday, May 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Civic Plaza, 100 block West 14th St., North Vancouver.

SHOW TIME! 2 MW[YR;P4& _R_Q_P$;(B &$"4_P$ +_(],(Q& ; e_(&W,P ,] $Y_ &,P[ FEP 1(,;4d;BD ;$ $Y_ G,($Y #;P7,"e_( &7Y,,R 4W&$(W7$3& ;PP";R 4;P7_ ]_&$We;R ,P 2+(WR U ;$ 0_P$_PPW;R 'Y_;$(_? WP $Y_ +Y,$, ;$ R_]$= 'Y_ +Y,$, ;$ (W[Y$ &Y,d& Q_Q9_(& ,] $Y_ !_&$ #;P7,"e_( K;@@ 1;P4 +R;BWP[ ;$ C;(T *,B;R ;& +;($ ,] $Y_ IW[Y$Y,"&_ -_&$We;R? 2+(WR 5:>5\? dYW7Y ]_;$"(_4 Q"&W7 ;P4 4;P7_ +_(],(Q;P7_&? ;P4 4W&+R;B& ,] ;($ ](,Q !_&$ #;P7,"e_( &7Y,,R 4W&$(W7$ &$"4_P$&= CME'E) MIKE WAKEFIELD GETTING STARTED WITH LIBRARY EBOOKS-IPADS AND TABLETS Learn how to use the BC Library Ebooks wesbite, place holds and

Welcome to Lynn Valley Care Centre LYNN VALLEY CARE CENTRE is proud of its reputation for providing quality care to seniors on the North Shore for over 50 years. We offer subsidized and private pay intermediate, extended, respite, convalescence and palliative care beds.

Nestled in the North Shore Mountains, we offer private pay care rooms and suites with spectacular floor to ceiling views.

ALL INCLUSIVE PRICING FOR ALL LEVELS OF CARE

• 24 hour nursing care • Bedrooms with ensuite bathroom and wheelchair accessible showers • Living room with small kitchenette (Suites only) • All meals provided and assisted eating if necessary • Daily housekeeping and laundry • Green Building technology utilizing Geothermal, Solar Energy, and a rain water retention system

check-out ebooks with a library card Thursday, May 14, 2-3 p.m. at West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Dr. Registration required. 604925-7405

on top of things Thursday, May 14, 7-8:30 p.m. at West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Dr. Free; no registration required. wvml.ca/techtalks

6:30-8:30 p.m. at North Vancouver City Library, 120 West 14th St. Free; registration not required. nvcl.ca

LET’S TALK Develop English skills while discussing current events Wednesdays, May, 13, 20 and 27, 7-8:30 p.m. at West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Dr. westvanlibrary.ca

DEVICE CLINICS Learn more about iPads and Android devices Friday, May 15, 2-3 p.m. at West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Dr. Registration required. 604925-7405

DISCUSSION LOUNGE Drop by for a group discussion about local issues, books, television and more Wednesday, May 20, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Parkgate library, 3675 Banff Court, North Vancouver. Free; no registration required. 604929-3727 x8168

PRODUCTIVITY IN THE AGE OF INFORMATION OVERLOAD Tips and tricks to keep organized and

LOCAL AUTHOR SERIES An evening with local authors Janie Chang, Carol Cram and Marie Sadro Wednesday, May 20,

Compiled by Debbie Caldwell Email information for your non-profit, by donation or nominal fee event to listings@ nsnews.com.

Lynn Valley Care Centre

A Community

of

Kindness

TO ARRANGE A TOUR CONTACT FOR FURTHER LESLIE CYMET: INFORMATION OR PHONE: TO ARRANGE A TOUR 604-982-3700 PLEASE PHONE: (604) EMAIL: 982-3700 or lesliecymet@nsph.ca (604) 982-3712 or OR(604) CALL417-5477 6049825851

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! 2(R_P_ C(,&T; W& (_7,(4_4 9B 2W4;P J;YP? ,] K;7T IWP4 0;&$WP[ I$4=? ;& Y_( 4;"[Y$_(& R,,T ,P 4"(WP[ ; 7;&$WP[ 7;RR ],( -W(&$ G;$W,P& ;7$,(& ],( $Y_ M1E QWPW&_(W_& /(8#% 52. -75'9= 'Y_ _e_P$ $,,T +R;7_ ,P 2+(WR 88 ;$ $Y_ 0YW_] K,_ H;$YW;& 0_P$(_ WP !_&$ #;P7,"e_(= CME'E PAUL MCGRATH

Sunday, May 10, 2015 - North Shore News - A15

SENIORS AGING GRACEFULLY G;$"(,+;$YW7 +YB&W7W;P *,9BP C(_&7,$$? ,] IBPP #;RR_B3& *_&$,(;$W,P M_;R$Y 0RWPW7? dWRR 4W&7"&& 7,QQ,P 7,P7_(P& ;9,"$ ;[WP[ a&"7Y ;& _P_([B? 9,P_ 4_P&W$B? Y;W( R,&&? ;P4 +;WPA? ;P4 Y,d $, +(_e_P$ ;P4 Q;P;[_ $Y_Q ](,Q ; P;$"(,+;$YW7 +_(&+_7$We_ ;$ 2[WP[ N(;7_]"RRB? ; ](__ $;RT? !_4P_&4;B? H;B 5:? ](,Q 8 $, 5 +=Q= ;$ G,($Y #;P7,"e_(3& )WRe_( M;(9,"( )_PW,(&3 27$WeW$B 0_P$(_= *_[W&$(;$W,PS Z:^>UV:>5^X^= .''*3+2)'(%1*$$,1*4 CME'E MIKE WAKEFIELD

Seniors Calendar Notices

MINDS IN MOTION A fitness and social program for people with early-stage Alzheimer’s and a care partner hosted by the Alzheimer Society of B.C. Fridays, 9:15-11:15 a.m. at Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Rd., North Vancouver. $36 per pair for six weeks. Register in person or call 604-987-5820.

CALL FOR ATHLETES AND VOLUNTEERS The City and District of North Vancouver will be hosting the 55+ B.C. Games Aug. 25-29 and athletes and volunteers are needed.

The North Shore hopes to welcome more than 4,000 athletes to compete in 27 different sporting events serviced by 1,500 volunteers.

55plusgames.ca SENIORS GATHERING

A free drop-in program for an informal get-together and chat from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at the North Vancouver City Library, 120 West 14th St. At the May 12 meeting there will be a discussion on what programs to plan for upcoming gatherings followed by some jokes and anecdotes.

604-998-3460 nvcl.ca AFTERNOON IN PARIS French-inspired entertainment and food Wednesday, May 13, 2-4 p.m. at Amica at West Vancouver, 659 Clyde Ave. RSVP. 604-921-9181

Social Groups & Outings COFFEE TALK Mondays, 11 a.m.-noon at West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre, 695 21st St. Free.

604-925-7280 westvancouver. ca/seniors

Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Parkgate Community Centre, 3625 Banff Court, North Vancouver. $6 for non-members/$5 for members. 604-983-6350 myparkgate.com

COMMUNITY KITCHEN LUNCH

CORONATION STREET CHAT The last Sunday of

the month, 12:30-2:30 p.m. at West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre, 695 21st St. Drop-in fee: $2. 604-9257280 westvancouver.ca/seniors CURRENT CONVERSATIONS A lively gathering that will include stimulating conversation, new ideas, laughter and an opportunity to reconnect with old friends or make new ones Fridays, 1:30-3 p.m. at Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre, 144 East 22nd St., North Vancouver.Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be served. $3. 604-980-2474

Roche Point Towers, Bowron Court and Atrium. $6.

Andrea at VCH, 604-904-6483.

FARSI SENIORS’ GATHERING Fridays, 3-6 p.m. at North Shore Volunteers for Seniors, 275 21st St.,West Vancouver.

Registration required.

604-922-1575 info@nsvs.ca nsvs.ca FORMERLY MARRIED CLUB A social group for formerly married men and

2([BR_ &_7,P4;(B H"&W7 0R"9 Q_Q9_( /;PW_R IWQ $;T_& ; $"(P +_(],(QWP[ ;$ ; ](__ 7,P7_($ Y_ Y_R+_4 ,([;PW@_ ;$ IBPP #;RR_B3& H,RRW_ GB_ M,"&_= CME'E PAUL MCGRATH

“I need help while I recover.”

FRIENDLY FRIDAYS An informal group that See more page 16

DENTURES THAT FIT

GUARANTEED!

DINER’S CLUB Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m. at Parkgate Community Centre, 3625 Banff Court, North Vancouver. A shuttle bus is available for Lions Manor,

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

women 55 years and older meets the first Tuesday of every month, 7:30 p.m. at Highlands United Church, 3255 Edgemont Blvd., North Vancouver.Weekly events are planned by committees and include dining, barbecues, theatre, games, dancing, tours, golf and more. 604-922-5839 604-986-8590

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A16 - North Shore News - Sunday, May 10, 2015

SENIORS

Highland Cleaners couple to retire The Motts put in 50 years at the EdgemontVillage business

“It’s going to be tough to say goodbye,” says Sandra Mott. “The customers that started out with us are grandparents.Their children and now their grandchildren come to us.

It’s like being part of the family.”

After more than 50 years at Highland Cleaners in Edgemont Village, Gary and Sandra Mott are looking forward to a new life in the Fraser Valley. Sandra plans to grow flowers and Gary, potatoes.Their cat, Penny, will continue to rule the household.

Both Motts hail from the Prairies. Sandra’s family left their hometown of Acme, Alta. — population: 320; grain elevators: seven; and a one-room school — for Vancouver’s West End in 1955.The Prairie girl who rode horses, cows and even a pig or two, “continued to roam on my bike.” Sandra learned to fish off the Coal Harbour wharf and took the Vancouver Sun free swim classes at Lumberman’s Arch pool in Stanley Park.

On summer visits back to Alberta, Sandra revelled in life on the farm.

“I’d say, ‘Let’s clean the pigpen!’ but of course my cousins weren’t as keen as I was.They did those chores every day,” she says.

Gary’s route to the coast was less direct. First, he ran

Laura Anderson

Memory Lane

away from his Winnipeg home and joined the circus.

After a season touring Prairie towns, Gary was all set to go south to the circus’s winter home in Florida.With no papers, he got only as far as the United States border.

When his next job, on an Alberta ranch, came to an end after the harvest was in, Gary hopped a freight train bound for Vancouver. He got a job with an uncle in the dry cleaning business, bought himself a 1938 Plymouth and found a home in a West End rooming house.

At a dance at St. John United Church in the West End, he met a girl wearing a pink dress. Her name was Sandra Wenstob.

During their courtship, Gary and Sandra rented rowboats at Lost Lagoon, hired riding horses from the stable on the edge of Stanley Park and, one cold winter,

skated on Beaver Lake.

“All of us would pile into Gary’s car and drive to King’s Burgers in North Vancouver. Burgers were 19 cents!” remembers Sandra.

She was expecting and Gary was learning the dry cleaning business, working two jobs, when he took on another at Highland Cleaners in Edgemont Village.

“I was talking with a customer today,” says Gary.

“He said he’s been bringing his dry cleaning to us ever since he moved here in 1962. 1962.That’s when I started working here.”

The Mott family, which now included son Ronald and daughter Wendy, moved to upper Lynn Valley in the late ’60s. “That was a great place for kids,” remembers Sandra.

Wendy agrees. “We had the mountains all around and our neighbours, the Pearces, had a couple of horses.That was back when we kids would be gone all day and home in time for supper,” she says.

Approximately 10 years after the family moved to North Vancouver, owner Jim Green decided to retire and sold Highland Cleaners to Gary and Sandra.Working alongside them were daughter Wendy (who put in 30 years in the business) and employee Wah Wong (20 years) who is also retiring.

This team of Highland Cleaners is most proud of caring for the flags during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

“We had been looking after the RCMP ceremonial flags,” says Gary, “and then the Olympics came along.”

“Imagine, flags for every one of the 80 countries participating in the Winter Olympics,” says Sandra.

“There were flags and boxes everywhere you looked.

We got each and every flag pressed, packed and shipped to their sites.” Gary

and Sandra are in proud possession of one of the six official 2010 Olympics flags, a gift from games organizers in appreciation of their contribution.

Sandra and Gary are looking forward to returning to their country roots though the prospect of leaving the Edgemont community is bittersweet. “Edgemont is like a small village,” says

Gary. “You’re at home with everybody here.”

Sandra looks on the bright side. “Now we can have our honeymoon.”

“We’re still on our honeymoon,” counters Gary.

Sandra smiles.

Laura Anderson works with and for seniors on the North Shore. 778-279-2275 lander1@shaw.ca

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2]$_( Q,(_ $Y;P \: B_;(& ;$ MW[YR;P4 0R_;P_(& WP .4[_Q,P$ #WRR;[_? N;(B ;P4 );P4(; H,$$ ;(_ R,,TWP[ ],(d;(4 $, ; P_d RW]_ WP (_$W(_Q_P$= CME'E MIKE WAKEFIELD

Seniors Calendar

small projects. Drop-in fee: non-members $4/ members $2. 604-987-5820 mollienyehouse.com

From page 15

GOLDEN CIRCLE Brain games, chair exercises, singalongs, movies, art, crafts and a light snack including tea and coffee Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m. at John Braithwaite Community Centre, 145 West First St., North Vancouver. $3.25.

meets Fridays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Rd., North Vancouver.There is coffee and conversation as participants work on their own knit, crochet or other

LOWER LONSDALE SENIORS is looking for new members.The group meets the first Monday of each month for a potluck lunch and social at noon at the Twin Towers, 172 East Second St., North Vancouver. Bring a dish or pay $4. 604-985-4021 Compiled by Debbie Caldwell Email information for your non-profit or nominal fee event to listings@nsnews.com.

Sunday, May 10, 2015 - North Shore News - A17

What’s On Sundays FOLKTALES AND LAUGHTER A storytelling series with humorous folktales from around the world the second Sunday of every month, 7-9 p.m. at the Silk Purse Arts Centre, 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. After the tales, a yoga therapist will guide participants through exercises while laughing. $10. 604-925-7292 silkpurse.ca

ALATEEN MEETING A group for kids ages 1018 who are experiencing alcohol problems in thier family meets every Monday at 7 p.m. at St. David’s United Church, 1525 Taylor Way,West Vancouver. 604688-1716 BINGO Every Monday at 6 p.m., North Vancouver Legion, 123 West 15th St., North Vancouver. 604-9883712

NORTH SHORE CRIC CRAC STORYTELLING EVENINGS presented by the North Shore Storytellers takes place the first Sunday of every month, 7-9 p.m. at the Silk Purse Arts Centre, 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. Each month features a different theme. Suggested donation $7-$12. 604-985-5168 northshorestory@gmail.com vancouverstorytelling.org

CANADIAN FEDERATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN — WEST VANCOUVER BRANCH is an organization that promotes education, improving women’s status and human rights. It also offers fellowship and professional contacts. Meetings are every third Monday, 7 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, 885 22nd St.,West Vancouver. New members welcome. cfuw.westvan@ gmail.com cfuwnvwv.vcn. bc.ca

POLYNESIAN DANCE CLASSES Beginner classes for adults and children Sundays and Mondays at John Braithwaite Community Centre, 145 West First St., North Vancouver. 604-982-8311

CHESS CLUB All levels are welcome to play chess Mondays and Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. at Parkgate Community Centre, 3625 Banff Court, North Vancouver. 604-983-6350 myparkgate.com

Mondays

CONTRACT BRIDGE

Every Monday and Thursday, 12:30-3 p.m. in the Cedarview Room at Delbrook Community Centre, 600 West Queens Rd., North Vancouver. $1.

604-987-7529 DARE TO BE HEARD LITERARY SALON Come read your story, poem or memoir piece the first Monday of the month (October-December and February-June), 7-8:45 p.m. at North Vancouver City Library, 120 West 14th St. These free sessions, hosted by the North Shore Writers Association, celebrate local writing without critiquing.

Authors at all stages of the writing journey and interested listeners are welcome. nswriters.org DROP-IN CRIB Play crib every Monday (unless it’s a statutory holiday), 7:30 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion #118, 123 West 15th St., North Vancouver. $5.

604-985-1115 ENGLISH CONVERSATION CORNER Drop in to practise and improve your English language skills in a group of new speakers Mondays, 7:30-8:45 p.m. at Lynn Valley library, 1277 Lynn Valley Rd., North Vancouver and Fridays, 1:30-3 p.m. at

TRANSITION TALK H;($; 0;(R"77W ;P4 0WP4B -(,&$;4 WPeW$_ 7,QQ"PW$B Q_Q9_(& $, $Y_ "+7,QWP[ +;(_P$ WP],(Q;$W,P Q__$WP[ 'Y_ .b7_+$W,P;R K,"(P_B a85> 5Z c_;(&AS 2 M,RW&$W7 2++(,;7Y $, '(;P&W$W,P CR;PPWP[ ;P4 )"++,($& ],( $Y_ -"$"(_? +(_&_P$_4 9B $Y_ G,($Y )Y,(_ c,"$Y WP '(;P&W$W,P 0,QQW$$__? H,P4;B? H;B 88? ZS`:>V +=Q= ;$ $Y_ !_&$ #;P7,"e_( )_PW,(&3 27$WeW$B 0_P$(_= -(__= -,( Q,(_ WP],(Q;$W,P _Q;WR (61()$#*257!*"'2(+(:(2$0&45#7,1*4= CME'E MIKE WAKEFIELD Parkgate library, 3675 Banff Court, North Vancouver.

Knowledge of some English is required to participate.

604-644-9621 nvdpl.ca ESPIRITU VOCAL ENSEMBLE This high profile community choir that performs a wide variety of music is looking for motivated singers.

Rehearsals take place

Monday, 7:15-9:15 p.m. at Silver Harbour Centre, 144 East 22nd St., North Vancouver. For more information visit the website at friendshiptoastmasters.com.

Mondays, 7-9 p.m. at West Vancouver United Church, 2062 Esquimalt Ave. Singers should have basic music reading skills. Call 604-922-2513 to set up an audition time.

Compiled by Debbie Caldwell

FRIENDSHIP TOASTMASTERS CLUB meets to improve communication and leadership skills every

Email information for your non-profit, by donation or nominal fee event to listings@ nsnews.com.

O n e o f B C ’s O l d e s t Tr i a t h l o n s !

26th Annual

Presented by

VICTORIA DAY Monday May 18th, 2015 Ron Andrews RecCentre, North Vancouver

The 26th annual North Shore Triathlon features something for everyone, from kids races to age group and elite races, as well as the Police, Fire, and Rescue Team Challenge, in support of North Shore Rescue.

2015 RACE SPONSORS

Official Financial Institution and Volunteer Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

NORTH SHORE ATHLETICS STEED CYCLES

Supporting Partners

FRY SPIES 67,R_ 0_4;(4;R_ &$"4_P$& HWR, MWRR? K"RW;P; 2P[_R? ;P4 0Y;& M"&;TWR&,P 7Y_7T WP dW$Y $Y_ &7Y,,R3& &;RQ,P ](B ,P 2+(WR 8X? ;& +;($ ,] $Y_ );RQ,PW4 WP $Y_ 0R;&&(,,Q +(,[(;Q= 'Y_ B,"P[ &;RQ,P d_(_ (_;4B $, 9_ (_R_;&_4 WP$, 1(,$Y_(3& 0(__T= CME'E MIKE WAKEFIELD

Media Sponsor

There’s still time to sign up! w w w. n o r t h s h o r e t r i a t h l o n . c a

A18 - North Shore News - Sunday, May 10, 2015

WORK

‘On-demand’ jobs in demand BUSINESS BREAKFAST C_$_(

I_W$7Y? +(_&W4_P$ ,] G,($Y )Y,(_ )$"4W,&? Q,4_(;$_& ;$ ;P WP$_(;7$We_ +;P_R 4W&7"&&W,P dW$Y HI2& G;,QW c;Q;Q,$,?

K;P_ 'Y,(P$Yd;W$_? ;P4 *;R+Y )"R$;P? ;9,"$ +(,eWP7W;R +,RW7B ;P4 W&&"_& ;]]_7$WP[ 9"&WP_&&= 'Y_ _e_P$ d;& +;($ ,] $Y_ ;PP";R G,($Y #;P7,"e_( 0Y;Q9_( ,] 0,QQ_(7_ 9(_;T];&$ Q__$WP[? Y_R4 ;$ $Y_ M,RW4;B LPP ;P4 )"W$_& ,P IWRR,,_$ *,;4 2+(WR 5^= CME'E MIKE WAKEFIELD

What would you save for?

Earn extra money delivering papers for that goal you have your eye on.

Taking on one route or many - the earning potential is yours!

It’s easy to sign up. Just give us a call 604.998.3587 or apply online at www.nsnews.com

She’s 26, a college graduate, and her mother worries she doesn’t have a clear future in mind.

“She seems to be undecided, unclear on her career,” the mom told me.

“Right now she wants to see the world.

“My blessing and support are there for her whatever she wants to do, but I would like her to find her passion in supporting herself.”

Well, mom, I have good news.

Times they are a changing, and those who can change with the times will reap enormous benefits.

Longtime readers of this column will know I regularly encourage people to have sideline and even full-time self-employed businesses both for the personal control and also the tax benefits.

A recent report titled “The Future of Work” in the well-respected newsmagazine The Economist predicted that more and more companies will contract out more and more work, laying off employees who now do fairly routine jobs.

“The on-demand economy is unlikely to be a happy experience for people who value stability more than flexibility — middleaged professionals with children to educate and mortgages to pay,” said the report. “On the other hand, it is likely to benefit people who value flexibility more than security.”

This second description sounds like our 26-yearold. However, she will have to develop on-demand marketable skills. In her case, something like teaching English as a second language because she wants

Business Briefcase Deliver the dream

WestVancouver Community Foundation names board West Vancouver Community Foundation recently announced four new board members for 2015/2016: Liisa O’Hara, Gordon Holley, Dave Mason and Christopher Loat.

A press release from the organization

Mike Grenby

Money Matters to snowboard in Japan in the winter and explore other parts of Asia.

“The on-demand economy will inevitably exacerbate the trend toward enforced self-reliance that has been gathering pace since the 1970s,” said The Economist. “Workers who want to progress will have to keep their formal skills up-to-date.”

Certainly having one’s own self-employed sideline is the perfect first step to prepare to take advantage of the on-demand economy.

Take my own case as an example. Prolonged labour disputes at The Vancouver Sun, where I worked for 25 years, prompted me to start a business writing freelance articles for various publications.

Eventually I left the paper to turn this sideline into a full-time business with my late wife Mandy, expanding it to provide financial counselling in various forms and then a semi-retirement career in teaching university classes.

Mike Grenby is a columnist and independent personal financial adviser.He’ll answer questions in this column as space allows but cannot reply personally. Email mike. grenby@gmail.com.

noted that O’Hara is a professional corporate director who also serves as a commissioner to the British Columbia Utilities Commission.

Holley is the CEO of the Humanity Financial Management Incorporation and is a notable business strategist.

Mason is a lifetime resident of West Vancouver and a director of UBS Bank (Canada). Loat is currently the president of L&L Maritime Corporation.

Sunday, May 10, 2015 - North Shore News - A19

TASTE

Osoyoos oyster festival fetes pairings

Tim Pawsey

Notable Potables Mention the Osoyoos Oyster Festival and chances are you might get a raised eyebrow.

But even if the notion of West Coast oysters on the desert shores of Osoyoos might at first sound incongruous this little shuckfest-that-could has blossomed into a pretty serious event, with beer and now even whisky in the mix.

One highlight, the Art of the Oyster Pearl Gala (at Watermark Beach Resort), features South Okanagan wineries and restaurants with a range of inventive oyster pairings.

Another is the bullishly named Canadian Oyster Wine Competition, which I was lucky enough to again help judge this year. It picks the best wines with which to pair with oysters from a range of white varieties and, curiously, this year, one red meritage. (Um, it didn’t win.) Even more surprising,

especially considering last year’s winner was a wellmade sparkler from Noble Ridge, not one sparkling wine was entered.

Every wine submitted is tasted with an oyster or at least half an oyster.

That part of the judging is crucial. In this case, the oyster chosen to match was the delicious Black Pearl from Quadra Island’s Out Landish Shellfish.

I wasn’t counting but my guess is that each of the five judges went through two or three dozen apiece.

In short, the small, slightly sweet, quite rounded (from being “tumbled”) and deliciously fleshy Black Pearl is one of the most consistent I’ve ever tasted, key for contests like this. It also sports an appealing, not overt briny quality that makes it fun to match with some of B.C.’s leaner, less fruit-forward, more aciddriven whites.

All the oysters tasted were unadorned, freshly shucked, with no mignonette, lemon, horseradish or other garnish.

What to look for? First of all, as always, the wine shouldn’t overpower the oyster but rather complement it. Secondly, there should be something in the wine that definitely picks up on some of the oyster’s flavours, perhaps some mineral or stony notes.

Finally, a clean, fresh mouth-feel to finish, with flavours of both wine and oysters lingering on the palate. Overall, in matters of wine-and-oyster matching, less is more.

When all was done (it’s very tough to spit oysters, though some people do) we had a clutch of clear winners, any one of which would do justice to your next dozen on the half shell.

Best of Show: Niche Small Batch White 2013 This is a blend of Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay. It makes sense that this wine (from West Kelowna) popped out, for its nicely balanced fruit-andacid profile, plus a touch of citrus ($18).

Chardonnay: Monster Vineyards, 2014 Skinny Dip Chardonnay Crisp and clean, unoaked, all stainless steel fermented with apple and citrus wrapped in fresh acidity ($17.90).

Riesling: Monster Vineyards, 2014 Riesling Some pleasing orchard and stonefruit notes with good texture, juicy acidity and a lingering mineral close ($17.90).

Sauvignon Blanc: Bench 1775, 2014 Sauvignon Blanc (Naramata) Varietally correct, zippy Sauvignon Blanc that sports some nice gooseberry and green apple with tropical

Veggies take centre stage The Art of Cooking with Vegetables, by Alain Passard, Frances Lincoln Limited, 104 pages, $21.99.

TERRY PETERS tpeters@nsnews.com

After working for 10 years to establish his Paris restaurant L’Arpege as a world class destination, chef Alain Passard dramatically changed directions and removed red meat from the menu.

He focused on cooking with the vegetables that came from his own organic farm, and 15 years later he is credited with influencing

a new generation of chefs.

Passard shares his passion for cooking with vegetables through the 48 recipes he has selected for this book.

He introduces each one with a comment that offers more insight into his approach to cooking and the flavours that are key to

ears!

Y 5 4 g atin Celebr

that particular dish.

Every recipe includes a recommended wine pairing.

Visually, Passard combines his love of vegetables and their robust colours with his own collage creations.

Instead of the usual photographs of the dishes, each one is illustrated by the paper artwork he loves.

These collages also bring to life the colour sensibilities that Passard incorporates in his food selections. Colours will often influence his choice of vegetables, spices and herbs to bring together a unified presentation that appeals to both the taste buds and eyes.

1975: Although still a year away from developing the well-known North Shore News logo, the North Shore Free Press changed names again, this time to the North Shore Shopper News. Now a weekly publication, the Shopper News featured machine typeset pages and headlines and proudly boasted of“Reaching every door on the North Shore…”

277,(4WP[ $, 7,R"QPW&$ 'WQ C;d&_B? )T;Y; #WP_B;(4 5:8^ CWP,$ 1R;P7 +(_&_P$& dW$Y ;++R_ ;P4 +_;( P,$_&? dW$Y 7W$("& ;P4 4_OPW$_ QWP_(;R $, 7R,&_= CME'E TIM PAWSEY hints. An excellent “classic” oyster match ($25.30).

Pinot Gris: Hester Creek, 2014 Pinot Gris (Golden Mile Bench) Definite citrus and mineral notes with juicy acidity and some stony notes (17.95).

Pinot Blanc: Skaha

Vineyard 2014 Pinot Blanc (Krazy Legz, Kaleden) Grown on a stony slope high above the west side of Skaha Lake; apple and pear notes with citrus and definite mineral to close.

Another very well balanced, perfect match ($18.95).

I hope this competition

continues to grow, and in time attract more wines, even, truly, from across Canada.

Tim Pawsey writes about wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: info@ hiredbelly.com.

A20 - North Shore News - Sunday, May 10, 2015

PETS

Important to consider the big picture

Do your due diligence when sourcing a new canine Over the last few weeks I have been discussing puppy mills and how the only way they and forprofit backyard breeders are going to go away is if we stop purchasing their stock.

This does present an uncomfortable ethical question of what happens to those puppies if no one is going to buy them?

I don’t have an answer that anyone wants to hear.

But I can say that making responsible choices regarding where you get your new or next dog will be a step in the right direction, ensuring that all dogs find good, lifetime homes and are not neglected, abused,

abandoned or culled.

There really are a plethora of ethical and responsible options for adopting or purchasing a dog.

The first decision to make is whether you want a purebred or a mixed breed. There are pros and cons to both and it is a personal decision that you should make without being influenced by other people’s personal agendas regarding dog adoption.

If you choose to go the route of a purebred, where should you start?

I have had personal success with my purebreds by following the leads I have gotten through word of mouth.

Ten years ago I fell in love with the personality of a German shorthaired pointer in my obedience class and asked about the breeder. Piper has been a joy, true to the personality of her breed and still very healthy. Twelve years ago

Joan Klucha

Canine Connection my German shepherd came my way via the Vancouver Police Department dog squad when I used to work with them. Zumi was not suitable for their program and I came into possession of her.

An often overlooked responsible way to find a purebred dog is through situations like how I got Zumi — working dogs that come from healthy bloodlines but just didn’t make the grade. B.C. Guide Dogs is one of

them. After being raised, socialized, and trained up the wazoo, the dogs that don’t end up becoming service dogs are turned over for adoption. Usually it’s for simple reasons, like not liking elevators, not liking the harness or too dog-friendly, etc. Dogs that are disqualified from their program often range in age.

There are also senior dogs that are turned over after they retire. This is because their owner is receiving a new service dog and can’t keep the senior service dog any longer.

These amazingly trained senior dogs need a forever retirement home.

Private rescues are also another responsible way to find a new dog.

Mixed breeds typically tend to be associated with rescues more than purebreds, but there are plenty of breed-specific rescues around. Simply Google your breed of choice and the word

“rescue” and begin your search.

I belong to two great rescues, one for herding dogs and another for pointers, and get regular updates via Facebook regarding dogs for adoption.

I’ve talked about local shelters and rescues in the past. Dogs range in age, breed, mix and temperament. Raider, my border collie cattle dog cross (plus a few others in there), came into my home via a private rescue.

His first two foster homes couldn’t cope with his 12-week-old energy. After three days in my home he became a permanent fixture and is one of the coolest dogs I have ever had in my life.

Classified ads offer dogs for sale or adoption. If you choose this route make sure you go to the home of the seller and view how the dog is being cared for.

Do not agree to a pup via

email or phone and then make the exchange in a parking lot without viewing your young or adult dog first.

On occasion I do a rehome assessment on dogs that can no longer be cared for and the owners have asked for help in finding a new home. Trainers, like myself, occasionally get involved in the rehoming of dogs. This is another way to make a responsible choice on acquiring a dog.

The bottom line here is to consider the big picture when you decide to get your dog.

There are many ethical and responsible options that are small steps to ensuring a good lifetime home for all dogs.

Joan Klucha has been working with dogs for more than 15 years in obedience, tracking and behavioural rehabilitation. Contact her through her website k9kinship.com.

Books

Fantastic felines fill the pages of new works ■ Artists and their Cats, by Alison Nastasi, Chronicle Books, 112 pages, $21.50.

Artists and cats are a natural pairing.

Both strive for fiercely independent lives, enjoy the adulation of others and are prone to displays of arrogance and affection.

For the artists who may often find themselves immersed in the creative process late into the night,

what better companion than the nocturnal activity of a feline.

Gathering photos of 48 different artists with their cats, Alison Nastasi presents them alphabetically.

Each photograph is accompanied by a description of their relationship with the cat world. Some, like Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, share their home with many. In his case more than 40 cats

Honesty and integrity for over 25 years.

Chronicle Books, 144 pages, $33.50.

roam his property.

Others have a solitary bond with a favourite feline, like Salvador Dali’s

pet, Babou, who was in fact a Colombian ocelot that enjoyed travel with its eccentric owner.

••• ■ Cats & Lions,

by Mitsuaki Iwago,

Every cat owner sees in their pet some of their feline ancestry.

The play hunting of toys, their supple stretches and fang-bearing yawns all point to their historical link to a wild past.

For wildlife photographer Mitsuaki Iwago the comparison of domestic cats and wild lions was an obvious pairing.

Iwago has combined photos of cats in all

manner of activities with their wild counterparts in similar poses. From relaxing to carrying their young kittens, Iwago presents two photographs on facing pages for the best effect in every situation.

The pictures capture each one in beautiful scenes that show us they are all amazing animals no matter their size.

Cat lovers will love the way Iwago has brought the domestic and wild environments together.

—Terry Peters

COMPASSIONATE CARE.

You can depend on Highlands Animal Hospital to be there for you and your pet when needed.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS Due to the great response for dental month, we are extending the 20% off selected dental procedures!

Highlands Animal Hospital 3044 Highland Boulevard, North Vancouver • 604-985-0454 • www.carepet wellness.com

North Shore Veterinary Clinic 227 Mountain Hwy, North Vancouver

604.980.0440

www.northshorevet.ca HOURS: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 7:30-6 Wed 7:30-8 Sat 8-5

Dr. Terri Clemett would like to welcome Dr. Robert Horne and Dr. Carmen Lo to the North Shore Veterinary Clinic team.

A proud member of the American Animal Hospital Association

SPORT

Sunday, May 10, 2015 - North Shore News - A21

YOUR NORTH SHORE GUIDE to THE GAMES PEOPLE PLAY

Sutherland snags national title

Ultimate team wins its first Canadian crown ANDY PREST aprest@nsnews.com

THREE TO SEE THIS WEEK Senior girls AAA soccer, winner makes provincials Burnaby North vs. Argyle Monday, May 11 William Griffin 3 p.m.

Senior boys AA rugby New Zealand Shield final Rockridge vs.

Collingwood Thursday, May 14 4 p.m., Klahanie Park North Shore senior ultimate final Teams TBD,Thursday, May 14, 4 p.m., Loutet Field 1

The Sutherland secondary senior ultimate team is hoping to repeat as high school provincial champions this year, but on their way they’ve already taken an interesting detour, winning the Canadian High School Ultimate Championships.

“It’s kind of a strange thing,” said head coach Carla Keffer with a laugh. “We won nationals before we went to districts or provincials.”

They competition, however, was no joke.The Canadian High School Ultimate Championships have been held for several years featuring top teams from across the country but Sutherland, emerging as a powerhouse program, has never gone because the tournament was always held in Eastern Canada.

This year the tournament was held at Burnaby Lake Sports Complex West and Sutherland went in as the No. 1 seed after beating B.C.’s best squads at a tournament held at Vancouver’s St. George’s School last month.

The national tournament, held last weekend, featured 10 of British Columbia’s top co-ed senior high school teams along with three from Manitoba, two from Ontario and one from Newfoundland and Labrador. Sutherland carried their strong play through round robin and playoff action right to the championship final where they faced their stiffest test from a familiar foe, the combined team from Vancouver private schools St. George’s andYork House. It was that team that Sutherland beat by one point to win last year’s provincial championship tournament. Last weekend the scoreline wasn’t quite so tight — Sutherland won the national final 1510 — but the battle was just as intense.

“The final was crazy,” says Keffer. “We know them so well.They always give us a good game.The teams are well matched.

We have a big guy, they have a big guy.

We have a bunch of handlers, they have a bunch of handlers.The girls are all really strong on both teams. But our styles are very different.They play a very structured, horizontal offensive structure and we’re sort of more free-wheeling, like our tie-dyed shirts suggest. And they have 2W4;P !W_9_ ,] $Y_ )"$Y_(R;P4 &_PW,( "R$WQ;$_ $_;Q [,_& d;B? d;B "+ $, Q;T_ $Y_ dWPPWP[ 7;$7Y ;[;WP&$ )$= a hard time with our free-wheeling style.”

N_,([_3&<c,(T M,"&_ WP $Y_ OP;R ,] $Y_ 0;P;4W;P %R$WQ;$_ MW[Y )7Y,,R 0Y;Q+W,P&YW+& +R;B_4 R;&$ d__T_P4 ;$ All in all Keffer was thrilled with 1"(P;9B I;T_ )+,($& 0,Q+R_b !_&$= CME'E )%CCIL./ KEN FRIEND the way her team performed in the championships.

“We played really well,” she said. “Our senior Drew Hudson along with female team captain scheduled Thursday at 4 p.m. at Loutet field No. team is scary — very experienced and very solid.”

Catherine Skeath and Danika Hewins.

1.

The team is led by the aforementioned big “The girls all had a really strong tournament, If they grab one of the two provincial guy, Aidan Wiebe, a six-foot-two skywalker who and girls often make the difference,” said Keffer. championship berths up for grabs, Sutherland reached extreme heights to score the winning “A lot of teams don’t use their girls. In that final, will aim to defend their B.C. title and will likely point in the final. both teams the girls were strong. Athletically the encounter some of their favourite foes once more.

“He was up there — he thinks it’s the highest (York House) girls are super fast and can pose a “We had the same semis and final at the St. he’s ever jumped in his life,” said Keffer. “He’s problem for us but our girls kept up and kept us George’s tournament that we had at nationals,” probably one of the best kids in Canada for his in the game.”

Keffer said. “It’ll probably be the same semis and age. He really is amazing. He will go on to play Despite already claiming a national title finals at provincials. It’s a battle of the top four for professional, most likely.”

Sutherland still has business to handle. sure. St. George’s will be watching that video and Other standout performances came from They’ll play in the North Shore championship trying to get our number and we’ll be watching male leaders Ty Barbieri, Adam Logan and tournament all day Wednesday with the final that video and trying to get their number.”

A22 - North Shore News - Sunday, May 10, 2015

FOCUS

Keep fighting, Cubitt tells patients

From page 9

that I had multiple sclerosis and had scars in my brain, I wouldn’t want to be punched in the head.”

Cubitt took time off, tried to come back, and then quit the sport for good, which was pretty devastating for someone who always prided herself on succeeding just by working harder than everyone else.

“To get something where it was, ‘No, you can’t just work harder, buddy.’ . . . It was wild. It really gives you that (feeling of), what is life about?”

Then things got worse.

In 2005 her body went numb from the neck down for a couple of months.

In 2007 she had a vertigo spell and collapsed.Then her body went numb again.

By that time Cubitt had completed a degree at Simon Fraser University and was working in corporate communications. Her work, however, was suffering right alongside her body.

“My co-ordination started to go, I started to lose some mobility in my legs,” she says, adding it was sickening for her considering the peak physical shape she’d been in as one of the world’s best boxers just a few years before.

“It was horrifying,” she says. “I felt really ashamed that I had this. . . .To watch yourself quite rapidly become disabled, it’s very isolating because you have to internalize so much.You

Doing it right

I;(; 0"9W$$ W& [_$$WP[ Y_( RW]_ 9;7T? $Y;PT& $, ; P_d $(_;$Q_P$? ;P4 d;P$& $, WP&+W(_ ,$Y_(& P,$ $, [We_ "+= CME'E KEVIN HILL suddenly disassociate with yourself from before, with other people who know you.”

All of this happened with no diagnosis, no real explanation despite repeated trips to medical professionals. Finally in 2009 she got her answer. A neurologist went back and looked at an MRI taken in 2002 and the results were clear as day. She’d been living with multiple sclerosis for at least seven years. She was not relieved to finally have an answer.

“I’d almost gotten comfortable with, ‘We don’t know what it is,’” she says. “(But) it’s good that I found out.Things went downhill so

CORRECTION NOTICE:

fast after that.”

Regular drug treatments used to control MS symptoms were tried and mostly failed.There was the fight with the breakfast drink, other fights with vegetable brushes that refused to lift themselves.

There was the drop-foot caused by lax leg muscles.

“I was dragging my foot around, almost fell down the stairs. . . .There were so many sensory, crazy things happening all at once,” she says. Another MRI was taken. “The neurologist was like, ‘This looks ugly.Those drugs don’t work.We’ve got to pull out the big guns.’”

Meanwhile the boxing champ was preparing

Doing it right

The full page ad that ran on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 contained a price error.

The correct price for the 16”, 5/4x6 Cedar Decking is $19.28

herself for what she now felt was inevitable: life in a wheelchair. She’d been to MS clinics, she knew the realities many other patients faced. “Things were just shutting down,” she says.

“I was scared. I didn’t want to really accept it, but I was just starting to be like, you want to be a little realistic with this because things are progressing strongly in the wrong direction.”

••• In her sunny Lower Lonsdale apartment, Cubitt shows off her yoga prowess to a visiting photographer.

Her hair is cropped basically to a buzzcut, her smile is wide and her body still shows the physique that made her a feared fighter.

Her movements are slow and deliberate, not violent and frantic, but there is fluidity and power once more.There is no wheelchair.

The big guns her neurologist talked about turned out to be a drug called alemtuzumab (used under the trade name Lemtrada), an intravenous infusion originally intended for leukemia patients. Cubitt tried it as part of a clinical trial (it’s since been approved in Canada for use with patients who have relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, a form of the disease characterized by the onagain, off-again symptoms Cubitt experienced.) She got infusions for five straight days in 2011 and then again for three straight days one year later.

She’s not cured, she says, but she’s most definitely in a much better place.

“I had very good results with that. I’ve had a couple

of small relapses, but nothing to the effect of I can’t walk.

I still have a lot of fatigue, I don’t work that much, but my life is way better as far as mobility and things like that. . . . It’s certainly changed my life a lot for the better. I didn’t have to be in a wheelchair.”

Yoga was the other big change in her life.The first time she went to a class she was deep in an MS relapse and couldn’t even fill out the registration form.

“I went when I was a complete mess, but I ended up joining a gentle class where they were doing research on people who were doing yoga after chemotherapy. It was very supportive,” she says. And for the second time in her life she found an athletic endeavour she could devote herself to completely.

“It sort of surprised me that I liked the truth of the yoga,” she says. “(Boxing and yoga) are almost complete opposites. One’s very competitive — like, how hardcore can you be.

And the other is how much attention you can pay. It’s not about being hardcore — that’s like the antithesis of it. However, across both there’s a huge amount of discipline.”

She’s comfortable enough now that’s she started teaching a class at theYoga Space in Vancouver, the studio where she found peace. She also now does corporate yoga sessions, travelling to businesses to lead classes for co-workers.

“This will be a world of work — this will take me my whole life — so now I feel like, hey, I’m on to something,” she says, her voice nearly giddy with possibility. “I feel like I can be a teacher.”

That’s a sentence her high school teachers would not have expected to hear from the wild child who blew through their classes 20 years ago.The makers of Lemtrada, however, wouldn’t be surprised.

They’ve enlisted her to speak to prospective patients and their families about her struggles and triumphs.

Her first time out she spoke to a group of 50 people, all of whom were looking for answers to some of the problems Cubitt had already solved.

One of her key messages is for people to advocate for themselves, to seek out the best. And if they’re too tired, to find someone willing to

do it for them.

“Try to accept, try to adapt, try not to settle. See if you can get the best for yourself,” she says. “Even though it’s really hard to deal with the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, as much as there is fear, there is possibility. A lot has changed, even in this short time that I’ve been diagnosed.”

The other key message is to keep fighting.

“I don’t really want to say, ‘Oooo, don’t give up!’” she says with a laugh while putting on her widest fake smile. “But at the same time, even if you’re so tired you can’t do it, get someone that can help you, to keep their eyes open and make sure you’re getting as much as possible for yourself. It’s a project.”

Cooke thinks Cubitt might be the perfect person to deliver that message. After all, he saw her get her face knocked in again and again but still come back for more.

No matter how much blood was flowing, she always stayed in.

“She was always impressive that way,” he says, adding that she’s got the personality to inspire people to keep fighting. “I guess you couldn’t get a better person to do it.”

That is what Cubitt wants, but she also wants to keep it real with people who are facing tough odds.

“I want to inspire, I don’t want to pretend that my life is all dandy now,” she says.

“I don’t want people to think ‘Oh yeah, there’s a frickin cure and everyone’s all good.”

Two hours after a photographer and reporter arrived at her apartment Cubitt is still beaming, still radiating energy. When asked, however, she admits that the yoga poses she’s pulling off and the stories she’s spinning will take a toll on her for the rest of the day, and probably the next day as well. She’s happy to do it, though, if it will help get her message out.

“If I could help inspire people just to hold on, just to wake up, or just to shake up that breakfast drink, I think it’s worth it.”

Instant? No.This fight will last a lifetime.

May is MS Awareness Month.TheVancouver Scotiabank MSWalk will be held the morning of Sunday, May 24 starting at the Plaza of Nations.To register or donate, visit mssociety.ca.

A28 - North Shore News - Sunday, May 10, 2015

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