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Peace Arch News Friday, August 20, 2010
lifestyles
Musical opportunity denied Sheila Reynolds Black Press
the ministry is “blinded by their protocol and procedures” and is missing an opportunity to support a child in government care who has done well despite life’s obstacles. If he wasn’t in foster care, Frankie would be free – as is any Canadian over 16 years of age – to enter the U.S. When he turns 19 next year, Bones will be out of government care and legally able to travel. But Cordner doesn’t want him to waste a year and says there’s no guarantee the offer to study with Richter will stand. “Yes, his gifts will remain with him, but will this golden opportunity still be available next year?”
Frankie Bones has been looking forward to today for months. It’s his 18th birthday, but that’s not what’s had him pumped up. Today was supposed to be the Boaz Joseph photo day he would leave Surrey for Frankie Bones turns 18 today. Washington state to further his piano studies at Walla Walla important aspects that need to University. be considered,” reads a letter But Frankie is a foster from Frankie’s social worker child, and the B.C Ministry and a manager. It goes on to say of Children and Family Walla Walla is not being ruled Development has told Esther out, but that the ministry would Cordner – Frankie’s caregiver for like to explore the teen’s options. the past 17 years – that the trip Cordner, who also raised isn’t going to happen. Frankie’s two older sisters and Frankie has been in Cordner’s several other foster kids, says care since he was one. But as a lawyer’s letter received earlier this week points out, the ministry remains his legal guardian until he’s P U B L I C N OT I C E 19. As such, the letter from lawyer Katherine LeReverend says, “the COMMUNITY CHARTER S.B.C. 2003 CHAPTER 26 caregiver must permit NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL CITY LANDS the director to determine what is in the best Pursuant to Sections 26 and 94 of the Community Charter S.B.C. 2003, Chapinterests of the children ter 26, as amended, the City of Surrey hereby gives notice of the intention to in his care in regards to dispose of the following City lands: all matters, including Legal Description: That Part of District Lot 99 New Westminster District where the child shall attend school.” Shown on Plan BCP45655 (Parcel A) It goes on to state the Civic Address: A 559.6 m² portion of lane located between the Canadian province’s custody rights National (CN) Railway to the south and the Fraser River to may be enforced in court the north in the 9800 block of 186 Street. “and with the assistance of police if necessary.” Property Description: The property is a portion of redundant road. It is currently Frankie, who has one zoned Light Impact Industrial (IL) and designated more year of high school Industrial in the Official Community Plan. The property to complete, has been is being sold to an adjoining owner for consolidation playing piano since age purposes. five. It became clear to his caregivers early on he Purchasers: S. & R. SAWMILLS LTD. had a musical gift. Cordner says she Nature of Disposition: Fee Simple informed the province of Frankie’s musical Selling Price: One Hundred and Seventeen Thousand Five Hundred opportunity last October Forty Two Dollars ($117,542.00) when she returned, elated, from a visit to the U.S. university where Professor Leonard Richter offered to mentor the young musician while he completes high school at nearby Walla Walla Valley Academy. “His playing showed unique talent, understanding of musical styles, variety of moods and love for music,” Richter said in a letter to the ministry. “As I examined carefully, Frankie’s ability as a musician and pianist, I became very interested in developing his talent.” Frankie, who’s won numerous awards, says he was blown away by the accolades. “I didn’t know I was Further information can be obtained from the City of Surrey, Realty Services such a big deal,” he said. Division, Engineering Department, 14245 - 56 Avenue, Surrey, BC V3X 3A2. “I didn’t know how good Phone (604) 5985722. I was until an actual professor told me.” THIS ADVERTISEMENT IS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE ONLY, Recent correspondence NOT SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER from the ministry on the matter confirms Frankie “does not have the ministry’s permission to attend” on the Aug. 23 www.surrey.ca start date. “There are still several
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