positive thoughts • positive people • positive reading Late Summer Issue

volume 2

I’m Free.Pick me up. Take me. Read me. Pass me on...

daycareGREEN APPLE

greenappledaycare.ca

COQUITLAM and PORT MOODYFor information call Jeanette 604 218 3417

2 1/2 years - 5 yearsDaycare includes Preschool Program as part of the curriculum

Full time and Part time available

Voted #2 Daycarein the Tri-City area

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summer ContentsBuilders & Contributors

Upcoming Events - Tri-Cities

Our favourite Staycations - Jennifer Erickson

The Enbridge Ride to Conquer CancerMeagan McPherson

Featured Photographer - Scott Yavis

Father & Daughter Make-overInterview with Refresh Salon & Spa

Featured Artist - Ross Warwick

Jump the Fence - Old Buck TrailNorth Vancouver

Hills, Trails & Snacks Oh My!... - Sasha Barrie

RRSP vs. Retirement Plan – Natasha BadgerWhat’s the difference & which is better?

Daily Dirt Horticulture therapy with Aimee Taylor- Mel Monty

volume 2

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5-6

7-8

9-12

13-14

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17-18

19

20-21

AccepTing WriTing & ArTisTs submission AT: picketfencequarterly@gmail.com

Trade-mark owned or used under license by/Marque de commerce detenue ou utilisee sous licence par Unilever, Toronto, Ontario M4W 3R2

Front cover photo credit: ciarra saylor, www.ciarrasaylor.com

Hello families! Welcome to the second issue of the picket Fence. We have decided that we can re-define the seasons to better accommodate our quarterly release. A couple things that have supported our decision to re-define the seasons are; parenting & mother nature. Like any other mom, dad, parental role-model, we have been busy being hands on moms. Also, unlike east coast, we don’t really have four definable seasons out here, and so, we have decided that september will be our month of consistent summer weather and our 2nd Quarter summer release!When collecting content focused on the outdoors, my thoughts seemed to direct themselves to something myself and other like-minded parents i have chatted to ponder. When it comes to our children; if being outdoors shapes our children’s development beyond the physical, what happens when we start to pull them away too soon? melanie puts a lot of importance into what nature can teach us and our children. so, to know that there are households moving towards nature deficiency, we think the most important thing for us to do is to stay aware! We need to research and chat to other families, find out what’s going on locally, or find out if there are new movements taking place else where we can jump on board. Hopefully somewhere along the way with this magazine, we help re-store the importance of nature to our families, and if we could all just remember each day how incredibly lucky we are to have the abundance of the West coast Lifestyle.

We enjoy bringing this new magazine to you, and appreciate all those who get on board. of course us busy moms look forward to bringing you more picket Fence...we just can’t give you a date...guess that depends on the weather.

enjoy your read, Melanie & Ciarra

picKeT Fence buiLDers

positive thoughts • positive people • positive reading

Late Summer Issue

Kids can’t bounce off walls if there are none -Unknown Author

conTribuTorsnATAsHA bADger pg 19 / sAsHA bArrie pg 17-18 / JenniFer ericKson pg 5-6 / megAn mcpHerson pg 7-8 / meLAnie monTgomery pg.4, 20 / ciArrA sAyLor - {saylor studios} Design & Layout of publication +pg 20 (Typeface: neutraText) / Dr. Aimee TAyLor pg 20-21 / ross WArWicK pg 15 / scoTT yAvis pg. 9-12, 13-14

This issue is dedicated to Dads everywhere.{ }

Walk Fit at Canada Place, Vancouver BC enjoy this afternoon walking program every Thursday and meet gold medalist champion Theresa blask. Learn healthy fitness tips and enjoy a good workout at 12:15pm. Located at canada place, this event provides walkers with views of the north shore mountains and downtown.

Inspiration Garden, Coquitlam BCprovides many interesting free or low cost seminars and workshops to adults & children informing residents about the many facets of gardening and encouraging all ages to get their hands dirty!come bee...inspired today! register online today at inspiration garden or call our staff assisted phone registration line at604-927-4386 between 9:00am-7:00pm.

The Taste of the Tri-Cities, Coquitlam BC is a trade-show style gala celebrating the best of the Tri-cities showcasing our community organizations, businesses and hospitality industries at theRed Robinson Show Theatre, Coquitlam- Society for Community Development, infoscd@telus.net

Halloween Howl Family Fun Night, Port Coquitlam BCcome dressed in costume and enjoy a howling good time...if you dare!!!! Tickets Available starting october 1st at:Hyde creek recreation centre, 1379 Laurier Avenue / Tel: 604.927.7946

Art for Life Art Auction, Vancouver BCThe 17th annual Art for Life benefits people with life-threatening diseases by auctioning donated works from top vancouver artists and galleries. Where: Five sixty club, 560 seymour st., vancouvercost: $50 for auction and dessert reception; $125 vip

The Parental Guidance Conference is coming to Coquitlam! We are very excited to launch this wonderful interactive and informative forum for local experts and families to come together in the community.save the date!Location: Douglas college David Lam campus1250 pinetree Way, coquitlam, bc

THursDAysSept 4 - 25

12:15pm

now unTiL ocTober

TuesDAysepT. 20

sATurDAyoct 22

1 - 6 pm

sATurDAy nov 13

sATurDAy nov 19

10am-5pm

upcoming evenTs Tri-cities & Areas

picKeT Fence | 4

4CatsArts Studio

Art is good!

4cats.comTM

4Cats  Port  Moody2619  St.  Johns  Street,  Port  Moody

call  (604)  917-­0136  or  email  portmoody@4Cats.com

visit  4Cats.com/portmoody

super  fun  birthday  parties!

workshops

We  are  a  professional  art  studio  for  

artists  ages  2  to  15

4Cats  is  now  open  in  Port  Moody!  

While I am NOT by any means an avid camper I have been known to set up a tent in the backyard and roast marshmallows over an open fire on the beach from time to time. After hearing that most of the children in my sons preschool class are spending the summer in places like Vienna and Paris I had a few thoughts, the first being “Ummm do you need a nanny to come along?” and the second being “Why would you take a 4 or 5 year old to Paris?” but to each their own though and while I am secretly jealous of the pre-k’s who will be vacationing in the South of France I am a proud BC resident and would rather explore the wonders our beautiful Province has to offer! (Plus if I’m going to vacation in Italy it will be sans-children!) Here are a few of our favourite vacation spots (in no particular order) that are both family friendly and budget conscious.

1. HarrisonHotSpringsResortandSpa. While it is a fantastic place to get away for a weekend with your partner it is also a great family destination. We have stayed at the Harrison Hot springs resort and spa several times over the past few years and have never been disappointed with the accommodations or the service. The picturesque setting of the Harrison Hot springs resort and spa is less than 2 hours away from vancouver and offers a slough of family activities from splashing in one of the five natural mineral hot springs pools, bombing around the marina on bumper boats, renting a bicycle, taking a hike around the beautiful Harrison Lake and even the Waterslides are close by, as well as the Kilby Historic site and minter gardens! There is something for everyone and a quick one or two night stay at this gem of a location won’t break the bank if you take advantage of one of their getaway vacation packages. check out the 1 night Kids night out package or the 2 night get Wet Family package!

2. Cultas Lake is not only close to vancouver and all of suburbia but it is also a mecca of outdoor activities . Whether it is the regions largest waterpark, fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking, lounging on the beach or mini golf that interests you chances are you will be able to find it at cultas Lake. This favourite summer time playground will keep all of the kiddies entertained for a day or if you choose you can stay a while and book a spot at one of the many seasonal campgrounds in the area many of which are really close to the water or if you are more like me there are also a number of cozy b&b’s, cabins and vacation rentals available but don’t leave your reservation to the last minute if you don’t have to! tourism Chilliwack has some great links to attractions and accommodations that can help with your planning.

3. Whistler may not be the most budget friendly family vacation i could mention but it is beautiful and worth at least one visit during the summer months even if it turns out to be just a day trip. Last year we took the rocky mountaineer up to Whistler and stayed at the Fairmont Whistler village. it was a very scenic trip up to the equally scenic Whistler village, but it was a tad on the pricey side! if you are going to head up to this pretty spot though there is a ton to do once you arrive. The blackcomb base Adventure Zone is hours of entertainment with the Hot Wheels inspired go karts, West coast Luge, rock climbing, Zipline, bungy Trampolines, pony Trail rides and more to keep the wee ones happy. The base Adventure Zone opened on June 18th and will run until september 5th. The children’s Art Festival will be taking place on August 13th & 14th this year and is also a great time to travel to this 2010 olympic destination with the kids. creekside will be taken over by art workshops, music, acrobatics, theatre and dance! All of this in addition to the peak to peak gondola ride (which i highly recommend if the kids are of walking age), biking, hiking and kayaking to tire out kids of any age!

weenjoyedthissummer!

ourfavoriteStaycations

Trade-mark owned or used under license by/Marque de commerce detenue ou utilisee sous licence par Unilever, Toronto, Ontario M4W 3R2

4. The quaint oceanside communities of Parksville and Qualicum Beach is likely where you will find me and my family several times throughout the year but especially during the summer! This is an all time favourite destination of mine having spent several of my childhood years either living or vacationing on vancouver island it has always been a place that feels like home. if you are a lover of beachcombing, exploring in tidal pools and splashing in the ocean then rathtrevor beach is one destination you need to add to your to do list. i could spend days (actually i have!) lounging on the beach flying kites and building sandcastles with my little one and i can’t imagine anywhere in bc i would rather do it. With several vacation cottages and cabins along the water front as well as resorts and spas and of course campsites there are sure to be accommodations to fit every budget and taste. After a day on the beach there are several other activities to keep you going like hiking in the Horne Lake caves (dress appropriately, it’s cold in them thar caves!), canoeing on one of the many lakes in the area, hiking at englishman river Falls, enjoy an ice cream cone while visiting the goats on the roof in coombs, stop by the Little Qualicum cheese Factory to pick up some wine and cheese for after the kids are asleep and even enjoy a round or two of mini golf and other amusements at paradise Adventure mini- golf or riptide Lagoon! For the older kids Wild play element park is not far away for the kids to swing from the tree tops. if you have a smart phone be sure to download the parksville and Qualicum beach App it’s a great tour guide!

5. TheOkanaganValley is yet another favourite destination loaded with fun family activities and attractions, festivals and fond memories. i have spent a number of summers throughout my lifetime exploring the okanagan and have never been bored and have always discovered new things with each trip. i of course would be happy on one of the many beautiful beaches surrounding Lake okanagan but if you just can’t stand the beach anymore or have been scared off by an ogopogo sighting there are several water parks, water slides, rock climbing areas and skate parks to entertain. The osoyoos Dessert centre is a favourite place to visit on a super hot sunny day so you have a chance to see really cool amphibians and reptiles that you may not glimpse on the cooler days. This is a great place to learn about the endangered species and vegetation that occupies the unique ecosystem in the south okanagan. planet bee Honey Farm and Farmer Jonh’s petting Zoo are favourites if you are venturing closer to vernon or if you are in the penticton area there is nothing like whiling away the hours floating on an inner tube down the channel! i found this great list of the 10 best beaches in the okanagan on okanganvacationguide.com check it out and you will be booking your vacation in no time!

Written by Jennifer Erickson Publisher and Managing Director of www.childrensdirectory.net

Visit us on-line for all you need to know to be a fun family on the go and where to stay, play and shop with kids of all ages in tow!

picKeT Fence | 6

Harrison Hot springs Whistler / blackcomb

The enbridge ride To Conquer CanCer

By Meagan McPherson - Star stylist for stella & Dot

7 | picKeT Fence

it was rainy Tuesday in January and i was chatting on the phone to one of my hostesses. oh i guess i should introduce myself! my name is meagan mcpherson and i’m a star stylist for stella & Dot. i do in home trunk shows for women who invite their friends over for some girl time and to share a little style too! They drink wine, catch up and shop for fabulous jewelry! best job ever for a mom of three trouble makers, five, three and two! i get to stay home with the kiddies, work nights and weekends and best of all....get out of the house and out of my lululemons for some adult time! so, back to the rainy Tuesday. i was chatting

with one of my hostesses, Heather, who was holding an upcoming trunk show. it came up that she was doing the ride to conquer cancer and i thought great! Let’s do a Fundraiser for your ride. i offered to donate part of my commission to help in her fundraising efforts and all her friends and family could come and get something sparkly for themselves and support Heather at the same time! We started chatting more and Heather was saying that she was doing the ride in memory of a family member, and it got me thinking about my Aunt bobbie macklin who died of colon cancer three years ago. one second later i said, “sign me up!” What a great way to honour my aunt and raise some money so others don’t have to loose their aunt, uncle, sister, brother, mother, father, grandma, grandpa, cousin or friend to such an awful disease. so that was that. i signed up and later found out that one of my stylists, Kathryn mandelcorn, was also doing the ride and we live close to eachother. i joined her team with chelsea greene, and mia Logie and we called our team, “be the change”. i was so excited to be a part of such a great cause and get out and train for this big ride as it gave me reason to get out and get some excersise! The ride is a two day, 240Km bike ride from vancouver to seattle....epic some might say!

We had great training intentions but i’m not going to lie....i only did four big rides of 70K, 50K, 80K, 50K. The rest were just an hour or two, but super fun! i should probably share with you that i am a mountain biker, so i just assumed i was going to hate riding on the road! i definitely couldn’t ride my forty pound santa cruz bullit for 240K on the road, so all assumptions aside, i bought a Kona Dr. Dew from my friend michelle gault who works for Kona. it’s not a road bike but it was light, fast, and seemed perfect for me! After a super sketchy first time road ride it only took one more ride for me to feel comfortable. i did not

hesitate to post on my Facebook page, “Don’t hate me mountain bike friends, but i think i like road riding!” because i really did enjoy it, and this is coming from a mountain bike snob so to speak. now with a chuckle, i can honestly say that i look at all bikers as equals! (i even wore spandex...don’t tell my friends) With training underway it was time to fundraise! Thank goodness for social media! We had huge intentions of putting on big fundraising events but we are all so busy with everything else in our lives and

The Ride is a two day, 240KM bike ride from Vancouver to Seattle....epic some might say!

i was also planning another bc cancer society fundraising night up in Anmore, so those intentions fell by the wayside. We did a playoff hockey pool and a basketball pool and then hit up our contacts!! We ended up doing pretty well through our friends and family, and achieved over $10,000 for the ride! it was a success! The big day came and was it a typical sunny June day in vancouver? no. it was pouring rain!! Which i suppose is a typical change in weather in vancouver...regardless, the ride was super fun, and a great experience. on the saturday night, we showed up to mobile showers and a sea of tents. Having not done camping like this in a while, i had so much fun, and have the itch to go again. For chelsea who had never slept in a tent in her life, this was an interesting first camping experience, to say the least. As with any team comradery, there were so many stories shared, tears shed, and friends made! i met one girl on the ride who had a sign on her bike, “Doing it for Johnny” Johnny was a healthy, active 27 year old who thought he had the flu

and died 3 weeks later from colon cancer. This story really touched me. i have always been a more “prevent” rather than “prescribe” kind of a gal and Johnny’s story was yet another proof that cancer doesn’t discriminate. The ride was a movement of healing and hope and of incredible comradery. 2879 participants across british columbia and the pacific northwest raised $11.1 million in the third annual enbridge ride to conquer cancer. since its inception in 2009, the ride has raised $27.2 million, making it the most successful cancer-related fundraising event in b.c. history. Funds raised will support a wide range of research projects and programs at the bc cancer Agency. With 44 per cent of canadian men and 39 per cent of canadian women developing cancer in their lifetime, the ride to conquer cancer has become a powerful call to action for cancer patients, survivors and their supporters.i will definitely be partaking in events like this once per year. it’s great for the mind, body, spirit and soul. best of all you get to help those like my aunt and Johnny.

until next year!meagan

scoTT yAvis

I grew up in Alberta spending my time with family, enjoying nature, and playing sports. I left home to Nebraska on a golf scholarship and returned with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Shortly after I came to the west coast to visit an old friend and I never left. I fell in love with the pacific northwest, its beauty is second to none. The mountains, lakes and ocean provide a playground with no end, I love it all. For the past thirteen years I’ve been the senior graphic designer and staff photographer for Alive magazine. It’s been an amazing journey photographing some of my favorite people like Steve Nash, Trevor Linden, Justin Morneau and Roberto Luongo. Shooting the best restaurants and resorts from Tofino to Banff. Doing my part to encourage everyone to lead a healthy lifestyle. My full artistic potential has taken a back seat to my job and it’s time for a little change.

While I continue my journey with Alive, I’m now offering my services to everyone. I love shooting almost everything... kids, maternity, weddings, boudoir, sports, pets. No job is too big or too small. I love to make people happy and the best way I know how is through photography.

P H O T O G R A P H E R

I love to make people happy & the best way I know how is through photography.

www.scottyavis.com scottyavisf

Peace, Scott

buntzen lake west bridge

Diez vista Trail

WWW.scoTTyAvis.com

&

THe spA experience WAs AWesome. Again, Thank you so much for picking us. We really enjoyed it.

my dad was hesitant to get a pedicure, but he ended up really enjoying it! (much more than he thought he was going too). The staff were super friendly and accommodating. We especially enjoyed our side by side pedicures, and teasing my dad about what colour we were going to paint his toenails. it was also the first time my dad has ever had a professional massage, and he was really looking forward to it, and it did not disappoint.i think it is very important for kids and parents to take the time to pamper together.it was truly a great bonding experience for us!

Thanks so much, again! Ashley

Refesh Salon • Suite 3-400 Capilano Rd, Port Moody BC • 604.461-1772 • www.refreshatsalonandspa.com

faTheR Daughter

Makeover #2 • Summer 2011Ashley & Her Dad

13 | picKeT Fence

[Q] Refresh, you have grown with SuterBrook from the start- can you tell those who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you, what is so fresh about refresh?[A] refresh salon and spa opened in suter brook village may 2009! After 1 year of building a awesome clientele, we had to grow bigger! We expanded our salon from 6 chairs to 12 chairs! We have selected high end products and equipments for our services to make sure it’s the besT , you will leave refresh feeling refreshed!

[Q] Since some men don’t always feel comfortable going to a salon and spa- which services do you offer specifically for men? How do you at refresh help them?

[A] We don’t have “specific” treatments just for men..well except for some certain waxing and a men’s cut! We think that men should be able to get any type of service here at refresh! Whether it’s a facial, or a pedicure! We know that some men get a little nervous when walking into a “spa” but don’t be nervous here! everyone is super friendly and professional

[Q] What has been you biggest challenge since the start, and how have you over come this challenge?[A]our biggest challenge from the start would probably be building a good strong clientele, this is usually a huge challenge for new business. Luckily! refresh lucked out and

MaKe-oVeRTime well spent!

I think it is very important for kids and parents to take the

time to pamper together.

faTheR Daughter

Dad looking refreshed after his first ever massage & side by side pedicure with Ashley.

THREE REASONS WHy MEN SHOULD SPA...something different, a great way to relax.

Was a great way for myself & Ashley to bond. usually done over sports, so it was really something new for us.

i actually really enjoyed the whole experience, much more than i thought i was going too. The massage was fantastic.

Thanks Ladies & Thanks Ashley!

12

3

has great staff. The owner couldn’t ask for more

[Q] you have been known to have some ladies nights, can you tell us about this? is it just for adults & ladies?[A] LADies nigHTs! yes! mostly with stella & Dot actually, we love stella & Dot, really cute jewellery. We are hoping to host some more ladies nights in the future, we are defiantly open to any ideas

[Q] Most are the most popular hair styles right now?[A] There is so many popular hairstyles in right now for men and women. men – keep it short! Women – long layers and red hair! [Q] Do you take last minute drop-ins?

[A] We always recommend making an appointment just to be safe, but walk-ins are welcome

Top 3 reasons to come to Refresh 1 - Happy staff all around 2 - High end products you might not find in most salons 3 - great atmosphere, and it looks great in here! Hehe oh and maybe... 4 - you will leave feeling refreshed!

Are you in need of a make over? Email us & tell us why. We will draw one person per issue to receive a free makeover!piCkeTfenCequarTerly@gmail.Com

ross WarWiCk15 | picKeT Fence

born in port coquitlam, i graduated from Terry Fox High school with the ed Harrington scholarship in Fine arts as well as the award for best 2D artist. i then worked for r.K. productions

for three years learning laytex and painting stone, it was a great learning experience working in the art world. Through my employment i was able to visit over thirty countries and learn about the diverse cultures in the world. i became inspired to go to emily carr for three years and leave my

employer to learn more about art history and create a better foundation for my own art.

you can find me bartending at the golden spike pub in port moody when i am not in my studio sharpening my creative talent and trying to perfect my craft. if anyone is interested in original or

recreated work my contact info is (604) 722-5030 or you can view my work at ross warwick on facebook or email me at barguyrw@yahoo.ca

old BucK TRail

Horse Trail Loop -

Base of Mt. Seymour, North Vancouver

please look at GARCIE.COM for the entire norwex product line and further norwex information.

• eliminating the use of toxic cleaning chemicals orsolutions – use only water and high quality microfiber cloths to clean!• replacing paper towels and sponges – cost effective and reduces garbage; being cost effective: no need to buy cleaning products;• reducing exposure to toxic fumes – allergies & chemical sensitivities; removing 99.9% of the bacteria from surfaces – bacteria, yeast and viruses destroyed within the cloth including e. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, proteus vulgaris, salmonella Typhi, staphyloccus Aureus, streptococcus Faecalis, streptococcus pyogenes, candida Albicans, mrsA and sArs coronavirus.• Saving time - cleaning time significantly decreased

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Jump THe Fence 2Family Friendly Vancouver Nature Hikes by Melanie

FAmiLy FrienDLy vAncouverf

picKeT Fence | 16

Rated- moderate- loop was about 2.5kmStroller friendly- noDogs- yesBikes- mountain bikes For sure ( They had green and double black diamonds visible for bikers)

Love the North Shore!This was a great hike to ease back into hiking season; however i must say that vancouver is pretty much hiking season year round. right off the start, we decided to keep left on the loop to get the kids right in the forest, and to avoid walking along the road side (finished coming back on the road side) steady climb to start, great for a long slow cardio work out- especially with a 20+lbs 1 yr old on my back. Kids had fun jumping rocks, looks like someone created rock path by placing some decent sized ones together.

Fresh air, small water creeks, not a lot of mud, saw one biker coming on as we were finishing. Trail was very user friendly - lots of signs whenever there was a cut in the path Love the north shore- never disappointed!

old BucK TRail

Horse Trail Loop -

Base of Mt. Seymour, North Vancouver

Kids can’t bounce off walls if there are none -Unknown Author

Trade-mark owned or used under license by/Marque de commerce detenue ou utilisee sous licence par Unilever, Toronto, Ontario M4W 3R2

1) HERiTAGEMTn/EAGlEMOunTAin/AcAdEMyTRAil. (all the same trail, it just depends on how long you’ve been riding cause it seems the older you are you tend to call it eagle mtn or academy ) This would be an intermediate ride with a long climb and a steep cut in on the mountain, along with some big drops and tight corners. it spits you out at butzen lake by the little corner store for a well deserved treat. The whole ride should take you about 60-75 minutes.

2)nicOlESATSFu. Intermediate to intermediate plus. A long steep climb that spits you out at the top of sFu. This trail will test your skills with big drops, ramps, and it does get very rooty and dug out. i always find that i need a couple of rides under my belt before i hit nicoles. There is also a huge fallen tree that you can ride down to really test your balance (nicoles pole!). you’ll know it when you see it. The whole ride should take about 45-50 minutes. 3) GEARJAMMERATSFu. starts again with a climb then spits you out on the road. you again ride up a hill and cut back into the trail. This is a intermediate level. This trail is fast with bridges, drops and lots of tight corners and lots of rocks and roots. There’s also a fun ramp that makes you feel like a mtn biker. The whole ride should take about 40 minutes. Longer if you want to play and practice on the tight corners.

hiLLs, traiLs & snaCks oh my...

sasha Barries toP 5 traiLs

By Sasha Barrie. {my favorite part of riding is the climb!}

17 | picKeT Fence

At the top of heritage/academy/eagle mtn!!!

i’ve been riding for close to 12 years now. i taught biking off and on between my girls for 5 years. As all moms know between jobs and kids and chores, something like biking takes a backseat! once the girls were old enough i decided it was time to get back on the saddle and take time for me and the sport i love. The last 3 summers have been filled with countless rides and many good times. moving back to port moody has me even closer to so many of the trails the Tri-cities has to offer. Last summer was the first time we rode into a bear! i think i rode like a sponsered rider that afternoon!! For me i love riding with my partner brian. We love challenging each other and testing our skills. brian always pushes me in a positive manner and never makes me feel badly when i decide that im just not into riding over that bridge, or ramp today! For me my favorite part of riding is the climb! The longer the better! remember....what goes up, must come down!

picKeT Fence | 18

still intact after a 2 hr leg burning climb!

my musT HAve riDing geAr.1) Helmet. i refuse to ride with anyone that doesn’t wear one! i don’t care how good you think you ride, all it takes is one bad fall on some rocks..and your done! its not worth it! beside helmet hair is cool!2)WATer. you can never pack too much! my camelback always comes back empty!3)spare Tube and pump. Dont leave home without it! you never plan on getting a flat, but they happen!4) A cell phone. Just in case you get hurt or lost!5) gum. i always ride with gum!

biKers snAcK ATTAcKPreride: - oatmeal with mixed berries and a scoop of flaxseeds and a big honkin java.

Post ride: of course it depends on the length of the ride. Long rides (2-3hrs) with lots of climbing deserves a protein smoothie. A less intense ride gets an apple or orange with some mixed nuts!

4)FRAnkSBuRkEMTn. This is such a fun intermediate/intermediate plus level. This trail is in poco beside the poco gun club. you leave your car at the bottom and ride up to warm the legs. At the orange gate you start your climb, which is a tuff one with lots of baby heads (round boulders) and gravel. As you get into the steeper climb you really test your body positioning and your cardio. After putting on my leg armour you cut into the trail and right onto a ramp. This trail has it all....ramps, roots, rocks, tight corners, drops and bridges, and will test all your skills and nerves. i have a love/hate relationship with this trail. still its one of my all time favorites. The whole ride will take you at least close to 2 hours. so if you have a sitter booked...book for 4 hours. The trail spits you back out at your car, which is great! 5) TRiPlEcROwn This is definitely an expert trail. you start again at the gun club in poco and start your climb at the orange gate. The climb seems endless and you sometimes wonder if it will ever end. you will reALLy test your cardio and climbing skills. The trail itself has huge drops, tons of roots, rocks and moss on everything!iF i do this trail twice a year, i’m happy cause it truly does wipe you out for the day! We always go for a protein shake after this one....you will really need it. This ride will take you at least 2-3hrs. its a long one. i will also only do it if its been dry for at least 5 days, burke mtn is thick and dense and doesn’t get a lot of sun - so its always damp and muggy. (which of course mean bugs and beArs!).

TOESTHATTWINkLE.WEEBLy.COM

What’s an RRSP? An RRSP is a savings plan that holds investments (rather than being an investment). It is a simple investment vehicle where money invested plus interest earned; grows tax sheltered. This plan was introduced to encourage individuals to accumulate financial wealth through a wide range of investment instruments in order to provide financial security and income during retirement.

What’s a Retirement Plan?Otherwise known as a Retirement Strategy; this plan will help you understand where you are today and what you need to do in order to hit your retirement goals. A plan takes into account all aspects of your life such as assets, debt load, children education, mortgage, income protection and of course most importantly, your retirement.

The goal of both items is to plan for that special day when you can say to yourself “I’m done working. I’ve got enough money to allow me to do all things I want to do and it will last me for 30 more years”. An RRSP is just one piece of the puzzle while a Retirement Plan encompasses the RRSP and any other investments as well as the other moving pieces in your life. Unfortunately, and without a Retirement Plan, many people feel that retirement just happens at 60 or 65. They don’t realize just how much money they need to have saved in order to live on during their golden years.

Here are FIVE ways to tell if you were sold a RRSP versus acquiring a Retirement Plan:Do you know your F.I.N or nest egg amount?Do you know how much money you need to contribute each year to hit your retirement goals?Do you know what type of investment you hold or what options you have?

Were you asked a series of questions to understand your risk tolerance or did they ask “Which one do you like?”Were you asked “How much can you afford to put into your RRSP?”

If you answered NO to any of the questions 1-4, or yES to question 5, you were probably ‘sold’ an RRSP rather than had a retirement strategy presented to you.

So here’s some food for thought…THE HIGH CO$T OF EATING...How much will it cost me to eat during my retirement?

* Many people plan on retiring at age 60. Many people are living to age 85. This equals 25 years in retirement

* 25 years of retirement X 365 days/year = 9,125 days in retirement

* If you only ate 2 meals a day you would eat 18,250 meals during your 25 years

*The average cost of a meal today is $5. In 25 years your $5 meal would cost $10 (3% inflation rate)

*If you plan on retiring at age 60 you would need $182,500 over the 25 year period to feed yourself. This is assuming that inflation is 0 as soon as you hit 60 which most likely will not happen

*Every month your nest egg needs to provide you with $608 just so that you can feed yourself. If you plan on banking on CPP and OAS to cover your food bill you had better double check just how much money this government plan does not pay.

Any questions? Call me...

RRSP VS. RETIREMENT PLAN –

What’s the difference & which is better?By Natasha Badger

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natasha badger604-818-2671

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HorTicuLTure THerApy with Aimee TAyLor

Horticulture therapy- sounds like seeking council in nature as opposed to the drs office - could you explain this for the readers?Horticultural Therapy (HT) is the practice of engaging people in horticultural activities to improve physical, emotional, social, vocational, and / or spiritual health. Therapeutic benefits occur when people are exposed to plants and when they take part in planning, planting, growing, and caring for plants. HT can be done indoors and a lot of my work in long term care facilities does focus on horticultural activities all year round. However, it is certainly important to get outside and enjoy being surrounded by nature, even passive activities such as being in a garden are beneficial to a persons health.

Is this something we learn for ourselves? or is this a program one would go through to benefit their health & wellbeing?A horticulture therapist is a therapeutic professional who treats clients by engaging in horticultural tasks with them to achieve particular goals or objectives that improve health. in north America most HT become registered via the cHTA or the AHTA. A great job description can be found at http://ww2.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/horticultural_therapist_job_description.jsp Horticultural therapist require a large skill set such as; garden design, from preparing a site for gardening, teaching and demonstrating activities, working with vulnerable populations. The job description is varied depending on what population you work with.Horticultural Therapy is not just performing a plant based activity. For the exercise to be considered as a valid therapeutic tool, it must contain:• A defined treatment program that is based on horticultural or gardening activities• A client with a diagnosed problem and in treatment.• A treatment goal and outcome that can be measured and evaluated• A professional to deliver the HT treatment and make the evaluation.

What ages can benefit from horticultural therapy? and are there presently local areas that provide this form of therapy?All ages can benefit from horticultural therapy, it can be used under many circumstances and with any population of people. At the moment most horticultural therapists work in long term care facilities with groups of clients and this is usually private clients. some programs such as growing eden is funded by grants that the horticultural therapists apply for themselves. most of the work i do is grant dependent and the horticultural therapist is responsible for not only delivering the program but establishing it and funding it through writing applications.

If this is something that young children would benefit from, where can we start to get horticulture therapy available to them?children are very receptive to gardening activities. i love to grow food with children it is very rewarding for everyone involved. children can learn a lot from growing food such as where it comes from, what it looks like when it is fresh and how environment health is directly related to human health. you can start to expose children to therapeutic garden activities from as young as possible. children can plant a small container somewhere, or you can apply to get a community garden plot, or grow food in your back yard. children will love it and it may help with learning to try new vegetables, children love to eat something they have grown. you can encourage your local school to get a garden going or enrol children into community centre gardening programs and day camps. if they don’t already have them then ask for them!

Can you share the top 3 plants / activities to help ease a stressful lifestyle?1.walking in a garden is well known to reduce stress, you can visit local botanical gardens, forest areas, parks just taking in the sights and watching nature will reduce stress. 2. Any form of gardening can be a stress reliever, if you have a back yard then start growing some food, it doesn’t have to be a full yard or supply farmers markets all over the lower mainland! grow something you enjoy and you will feel very rewarded when you can eat it or share it with friends. so, start with something you love to eat or love to smell it is your reaction to the plants that is valuable. 3. Have indoor

interview by melanie montgomery

{Daily Dirt}

HorTicuLTure THerApy with Aimee TAyLor

Dr. Aimee Taylor HTrregistered Horticultural Therapistwww.horticulturaltherapist.com

i currently work with seniors in long term care facility, adults with disabilities, families that are food insecure, and children. one of the projects i work on is with low income families teaching them how to grow food, to cook seasonally and we all enjoy a cooked meal together that is made on site outside in the garden. This project is called growing eden and is part of the Farmers on 57th group at george pearson it funded for three years by united Way. i also run the garden club for the adults with disabilities that live at george pearson centre, this is a therapeutic gardening program for the residents that is funded by grant applications each year. i founded the Little green Lunch program at sunset Daycare and run this program with a horticultural therapy intern. This program is also funded by grants and is still awaiting funding confirmation. i am on the board of Directors as the promotions officer for the canadian Horticultural Therapy Association www.chta.ca. i teach workshops at sunset and moberly community centre and designed and implemented the new cultural Herb garden at moberly. i’m a master gardener and a member of the healing garden committee.

plants, research shows that having plants in your indoor space cleans the air. plants in a workspace have show to have happier workers, that get less sick and are more efficient and productive. A study on fresh flowers showed that waking up and having fresh flowers in your home will reduce feelings of depression.

We know that they have therapeutic horse riding to help those with autism, can you tell us what horticultural therapy is most commonly used for?HT can be used with any population, because you can adapt the level of exercise or activity. i think right now in canada HT is used mostly in long term care facilities to improve the quality of life of their residents and provide meaningful activity and involvement in a hobby. in the uK Thrive is a large charity that provides and teaches gardening skills for people with disabilities. They also have a fantastic program for veterans that have returned home from service with disabilities and mental health problems such as post Traumatic stress Disorder. The us has many horticultural therapists that work within the health system along side other health professionals.

5 household/garden plants we could have to help our health & wellbeingThere are many indoor plants that will clean the air of potential toxins. choosing houseplants for your home will depend on the light you have, and if you have children or pets you must be aware that some indoor plants are toxic so it is important to do a bit of research before you purchase a plant to figure out the needs of the plant and whether it is safe for your home and circumstances.choosing garden plants is the same, try to chose right plant for the right place and do your research to check it is not toxic to children or pets. There are plenty of websites to check out the plants you are thinking of having in your garden or household. http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/poison?p_x=px