families now spring 2014

SPRING 2014

COVER STORY• Gardens can bring families together

• StrongStart program makes a difference

• Dental decay can start at an early age

• Green your kitchen

familiesnow

2 FN I Spring 2014 I familiesnow

EARLY CHILDHOODEDUCATION

13 CAMPUSES INBC

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HEALTH CAREASSISTANTThe HCA program is designed to provide students with the

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On the inside...4.

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Join the fight against dental decay

Give your kids a head start with StrongStart

Beefy Burritos recipe and tips for dining out with kids

For advertising information in Summer 2014

edition please call Catherine Ackerman

at 604-492-4229

For more information: [email protected]

FamiliesNOW is published and distributed by The Tri-Cities NOW Newspaper, a member of Glacier Media Group. Reproduction prohibited. Copyright protected.

PUBLISHER Brad Alden

EDITOR Leneen Robb

CONTRIBUTORS Lisa KingSamuel Smith

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Catherine Ackerman

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS James CoreaKerri GilmourSanjay SharmaBentley Yamaura

GRAPHIC DESIGN Slavin Creative Design

THE TRI-CITIES NOW NEWSPAPER216-3190 St.Johns St.Port Moody, BCV5C 1A2Ph: 604-492-4492Fax: 604-492-4493

www.thenownews.com

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Page16 Kids need

60 minutes a day of play Green your

kitchen

Page12 Garden as

a family

14.

20.

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Encompass K-9 promotes individual learning

These home projects are perfect for spring

Head to the Prairies for a thundering good time

Photo credits: Dreamstime, except pages 4, 10 & 21 (newscanada.com); 6 & 7 (StrongStart); 12 & 13 (Lisa King/

NOW); & 22 (Stephen Edgerton).


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We don’t easily associate cavities and gum disease with our little ones, but in reality these problems can begin very early. A 2013 report from the Canadian Institute of Health Information revealed

that severe tooth decay and cavities, both of which are highly preventable, are now the leading cause of day surgery in this country among children

ages one to five years. Approximately 19,000 children under the age of six undergo day surgery each year to treat dental decay. While these figures are alarming, parents can reduce the risks by instilling good oral hygiene habits early, as follows:

• Wipe baby’s mouth and gums with a clean, wet cloth or piece of gauze after feeding.

• Avoid fruit punches and other sweetened drinks in baby bottles, especially before bed.

• Reduce the frequency of nighttime feedings.

• Use only pacifiers with an orthodontic design, and don’t dip them in sugary substances.

• Avoid transfer of your saliva onto items used by baby, including bottles, cups and pacifiers. Bacteria spread.

• Gently clean newly erupted teeth with a small, soft toothbrush.

• Rinse your child’s mouth with water immediately after any liquid medication is given.

• Check for early warning signs by lifting up baby’s top lip. White, chalky teeth, or brown or black stained teeth, indicate a problem. Contact your dental professional immediately.

• Gradually introduce fresh fruits and vegetables to the diet. These foods, which require chewing, stimulate saliva flow and help to neutralize acids.

• Begin regular dental visits by age one.

Additional tips and information are available online at www.dentalhygienecanada.ca.

www.newscanada.com

Join the fight against early dental decaydental health

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A: While the Child Support Guidelines are legislatedand are mandatory, the Spousal Support AdvisoryGuidelines (“SSAGs”) are not law and courts arenot required to enforce it. In spousal support cases,courts must apply the principles set out in theDivorce Act and Family Law Act and consider: anyeconomic advantage or disadvantage arising from the

breakdown of the relationship, the length of relationship, the role of theparties in the relationship and any parenting responsibilities. Courts alsoconsider themeans and needs of each party to determine the appropriateamount of spousal support. Because each couple’s circumstances areunique, it can be difficult to predict what amount of spousal support willbe ordered. The SSAGs were calculated after reviewing current practicewithin the law, to provide some consistency and predictability for partiesand judges in deciding spousal support cases. These guidelines areadvisory only, however judges in BC always consider them. They providea range of support amounts to assist in reaching agreement or to assistthe court in determining the matter. Prior to consideration of the SSAGs,it should be decided if spousal support should be paid at all. Experiencedfamily law lawyers can give you advice on this issue and others relating tothe breakdown of your relationship.


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By Nancy Carl, School District 43’s Early Learning Focus K-12 Coordinator

StrongStart is a free early learning program funded by the British Columbia Ministry of Education. In our StrongStart programs you will be able to participate alongside your child (aged newborn to five years) in school-based early learning activities. You will have time to explore a wide variety of play based activities, including sand and water, music and movement, dramatic play, art, storytelling, blocks and outdoor play. StrongStart BC programs provide rich learning environments designed to support early learning development: language, physical, cognitive, social and emotional.Qualified early childhood educators provide play-based learning activities where children will have opportunities to make friends and interact with others

of similar ages. A typical day starts with free play and exploration in all areas of the StrongStart classroom. This would be followed by outdoor or gym play to develop gross motor skills like kicking, running, jumping, throwing and climbing. Then children get to share a healthy snack together, followed by an engaging circle time led by the early childhood facilitator. Circle time includes stories, songs, dance, chanting, finger plays and puppets. The day will finish with fine motor exploration such as puzzles, reading and painting. The order of these activities varies from centre to centre.There are also visits from community partners that will be posted on School District 43’s StrongStart calendar at www.sd43.bc.ca/Programs/StrongStart/Pages/News.aspx. These include visits from local public librarians, firefighters, parent

ambassadors and many more.From time to time the centres are closed for professional development

Give your kids a head start with StrongStartearly learning

continued on page 7


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and staff meetings. To avoid disappointment, parents are encouraged to check the calendar regularly before attending to ensure the centre is open that day.The overall learning experience is shared as parents and caregivers are encouraged to get involved in activities like telling stories, playing games and serving healthy snacks. Join us to learn new ways to support your children’s learning, get

information about community programs and services and make valuable connections with others attending the program.School District 43 has 13 StrongStart

BC programs. Some are offered in the morning and some are offered in the afternoon. Parents/caregivers can attend any centre at any time. For hours and locations, go to www.sd43.bc.ca/Programs/StrongStart/Pages/default.aspx.One-time only registration is required and can be completed online at www.sd43.bc.ca/Programs/StrongStart/Pages/Registration.aspx.

continued from page 6


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get the second oneBy Jeff Stromgren, Community Connections/Healthy Living Coordinator for School District 43

Youth need 60 minutes of physical activity a day, according to the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines and the World Health Organization.School District 43 views that recommendation as a shared responsibility. In order for students to achieve this goal, they require a combined effort from parents and family, teachers and schools, as well as from members in the community at large.Schools act in many ways to promote the idea that students should be actively living their lives. In School District 43, we have taken on a number of projects at the district level, but most initiatives are based in the schools themselves, where principals, teachers and parent groups work hard to provide

opportunities for active living within the school day as well as in out-of-school time. At the district level, I work with partners to provide opportunities to engage students in Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Anmore and Belcarra in active living.In order to help students understand the importance

Kids need 60 minutes a day of physical activity

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of the 60-minutes-a-day benchmark, a partnership has been struck with the 60 Minute Kids’ Club (http://60minkidsclub.org), a non-profit organization aimed at promoting healthy living concepts through an online platform. This optional but readily available program is aimed at engaging students in tracking their healthy living habits themselves, along with

teachers and at home. The hope is to create awareness and add an element of personal accountability to these habits.Also, through the creation of partnerships, the district has coordinated a number of out-of-school-time programs to help parents and students better take advantage of these hours to engage the students in physical activity. An example of this type of program is the community partnership with the City of Port Coquitlam in the Beyond the Bell program. A partnership between the school district and the City of Coquitlam also exists with the Moresports program,

which emphasizes the creation of new relationships in an active and fun sports environment. The City of Port Moody also runs programs in the after-school hours to promote wellness and provide opportunities for kids to be active.Good research shows that engaging kids in these after-school hours promotes social-emotional wellness that leads to healthier and happier children who do

better in school. Inside school hours, the promotion of outdoor play and active learning is helping kids stay active where otherwise they might be confined to desks and chairs.The concept of actively engaging children in

the “outdoor classroom” is an emerging trend that district schools have seized upon. Teachers organize schoolground activities that keep kids moving while learning about the environment they live in.Teachers and parent groups are also very active inside school hours to help provide opportunities. A great example is the Rochester Elementary lunch-time hockey program run by teacher Dan Mariotti, who says he understands the value of providing kids with a fun opportunity to get a good sweat on and play sports in the middle of the day.



Add a flavourful twist to burrito night by blending half the beef with finely chopped mushrooms.

Method• Place the mushrooms in a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Pulse until finely chopped. Add the ground beef; pulse until well combined.• Heat the oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, Tex-Mex seasoning and mushroom seasoning. Cook for 10 minutes until mushroom mixture is browned.• Spread the refried beans over each tortilla. Spoon in rice, and top with the mushroom mixture, lettuce, salsa and optional guacamole and sour cream. Sprinkle with cheese, and roll up burritos.• Coat a hot nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Place the burritos, seam side down, and toast on both sides for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through.TipMany brands carry Spanish-style rice that can be prepared in the microwave for a quick dinner.

nutritionBeefy Burritos

Serves 4Prep Time: 20 minutesCook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients 8 oz fresh crimini mushrooms - 250 mg ½ lb lean ground beef - 250g

1 tbsp canola oil - 15 mL2 tbsp Tex-Mex seasoning blend - 30 mL1 package mushroom seasoning blend - 5g1 cup reduced sodium refried beans - 250 mL4 large flour tortillas1 cup cooked Spanish rice - 250 mL2 cups shredded lettuce - 500 mL

½ cup salsa - 125 mL½ cup guacamole (optional) - 125 mL½ cup fat free sour cream (optional) - 125 mL¾ cup shredded part skim Cheddar cheese - 180 mL

Nutrition facts per serving

Calories: 503Sodium: 743 mgProtein: 28 gFat: 21gCarbohydrates: 48 gDietary Fibre: 6 g

–www.newscanda.com

How parents can dine out without dramaSome parents cringe at the mere mention of dining out with their children, envisioning 90 minutes of crying, taunting and tantrums. While some cultures place great significance on dining out as a family, North Americans seem less inclined to do so — unless it is at a family-friendly (not food-friendly) chain restaurant or fast food establishment. However, dining out with young children doesn’t have to be a debacle. Employ a few of the following tips, and your next night on the town with the youngsters in tow might just prove to be a nice family experience.• Get munchies. A hungry child is often a cranky child. Ask if bread, crackers or chips can be placed on the table early on so that the kids have something to

snack on and distract them from hunger pangs.• Request a table near the bathroom. While looking at the restroom doors may not make for the most inviting ambiance, it does reduce the hassle of snaking through tables and rows with a child who needs to use the restroom.• Order for the table. Giving kids a choice may waste time and lead to arguments. Order a few items that everyone can share, increasing the likelihood that your child will find something he or she wants to eat.• Stick with recognizable foods. Now is not the time to ask junior to delve into seafood salad or osso bucco. Save taste-testing for another time when there’s nobody else around to hear your child’s protestations.

• Make dessert a reward, not an expectation. If the children behave to your liking, dessert can be a reward. It will reinforce good behaviour the next time you decide to dine out.

–MetroCreative


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Ahh, springtime. That wonderful time of year when the fog lifts, grey skies turn blue and brown trees finally sprout some green again. There’s nothing quite like hearing that first bird of spring, shedding off those winter clothes and giving your shorts some love again. It’s been a long time coming, and you bet there are plenty of activities for the family to do. But sometimes the best and most family-oriented activities happen right at home in our own backyards. Literally. The Tri-Cities are home to some of the finest garden clubs around, and in such an environmentally conscious region, what better way to teach your children how to live green than by starting a garden in your backyard or on your balcony? Here are a few suggestions to get you and your

family hands deep in the dirt, learning what it means to go green, but most of all connecting and having fun.

An amazing rose gardenThe Centennial Rose Garden has 1,000 roses that start to bloom in the springtime, and is entirely maintained by the Fraser Pacific Rose Society, a group of volunteers affectionately known as the Garden Gnomes.Located behind Dogwood Pavilion in Coquitlam, this Tri-Cities gem is the largest rose garden in the entire province, and a great place to start learning with your family.“It’s a teaching and learning garden,”

says Bev Welsh, president of the Garden Gnomes. “If anyone wants to learn about growing roses, or even to get advice on how to garden in general, they are welcome to come and join us every Saturday.”Families with children of all ages are invited to drop by and learn how to

tend to a rose garden, on top of receiving regular gardening tips and tricks.It’s the perfect place to begin your family adventure, Welsh says.“We get right down with our gloves and there’s a thousand roses to tend to,” she explains. “The

children are amazed seeing new shoots coming up from the ground. That’s a

TULIPSTiptoe

through the

Get your family excited about gardeningBy Sam Smith

“The children are amazed seeing new shoots coming up from the ground.”

–Bev Welsh, president of the Garden Gnomes.

continued on page 13


miracle to witness. They’re like babies — they’re green and small and not very strong.“There will be things to do and roses to plant and all kinds of activities. There are all kinds of things people need to learn and they can have some fun doing it.”The Garden Gnomes start their classes at the beginning of March and go right through to the end of summer. Classes start at 9 a.m. and

go to noon, but families can leave whenever they like. There is a food

and refreshment break at 10:30 a.m. The best place of all: homeLet’s get real. If you’re going to start gardening with your kids, you’re most likely not going to be able to head out to the PoCo Garden Club or Dogwood Pavilion

every day. But the best

practice, and

the most gratifying,

can come right from your balcony

or backyard.Showing your children how to plant, grow and actually see the results of their labour is one of the best things you can do for your family. At least, that’s what this avid gardener believes.“There’s so many families that don’t have access to a big garden,” says Serena Thiel, president of the

PoCo Garden Club. “But there’s easy things to do at home, such as container gardening in a balcony or townhouse.”Thiel used to plant tomatoes on her apartment balcony and knows first-

hand how simple yet

gratifying a small garden can be.“It’s very simple,” she says. “All you need is some all-purpose soil. Mix it in with peat moss, because it dries out a lot faster in a container, and add some natural fertilizer like seaweed fertilizer.”

Watering the plants can become a family activity, and as long as you do it every day parents and children alike can watch the fruits of their labour spring to life right before their eyes. “You also feel good just in yourself and

how you feel about your food, the energy that you get,” Thiel says. “It’s such a good opportunity to teach children about agriculture and getting good energy from their own plants. It’s a circle of life.”While the food benefits might be obvious when your belly is full, Thiel also recommends

promoting indoor gardening as it encourages appreciation for nature, as well as providing ecological benefits.“Indoor gardening is a natural humidifier and air filter for your house,” she says. “[Plants] filter dust and impurities, and add a natural humidity that goes back into the home. It brings pleasure, especially when you see it bloom.”

Get startedWhether it’s the PoCo Spring Garden Show on March 29 at Heritage at Leigh Square, the Dogwood Garden Club’s annual plant sale on May 3 in the Centennial Room (624 Poirier St.) or a weekend workshop, there are plenty of ways to start you on your journey to get you and your family’s hands dirty.

“There will be things to do and roses to plant and all kinds of activities.”

–Bev Welsh, president of the Garden Gnomes.



Encompass K-9 (formerly Coquitlam Open Learning) is a distributed learning program that offers individualized and

flexible pacing in an engaging and creative learning environment.Students, parents and teachers work in close partnership to provide an interactive program based on the individual needs and interests of each

student.Encompass K-9 offers

regular face-to-face tutorials and small group instruction, as well as

weekly onsite classes for physical

education, fine arts, health and career, and computers to promote positive and valuable social connections. Students may also choose to attend scheduled field trips, workshops and special events.The resources in the program, both paper-based and online, are provided by the school, but there is a high degree of flexibility and choice in both resource selection and alternative ways to demonstrate student learning.Parents in this program seek

meaningful involvement in their child’s learning and actively facilitate curricular and extra-curricular activities.Through a flexible school structure, Encompass K-9 aims to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment that builds positive relationships with peers, teachers and the community while promoting student success.To learn more about Encompass K-9, visit www.sd43.bc.ca/col/k-9/Pages/default.aspx.

Encompass K-9 promotes individual learninglearning

By Krisztine Trumley, Principal Vanier Centre

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School District 43 officials knew they wouldhave to make cuts to deal with a ballooning defi-cit, and on Tuesday employees and the publiclearned just how deep the reductions will beonce the budget is done.

To make up for a $12.1-million projected oper-ating deficit for the 2013/2014 school year, thedistrict is looking at cutting six per cent of itsstaff across the board.

More specifically, it’s proposing to cut 142 pos-

itions within the district.A further breakdown of the numbers has the

district cutting 81 teachers, 19 teacher assist-ants/special education assistants/youth workersalong with 32 clerical/custodial/IT and facilitiespositions and 10 from administration.

The staffing cuts add up to $11.5 million insavings.

Some of the positions being cut will be offsetby attrition, with as many as 30 staff in variouspositions already putting in their retirementpapers for the end of the year.

NOW FILE PHOTO

School trustees will provide more details on proposed cuts at a meeting Tuesday at the district’s offices.

District to cut 142 jobsPROJECTEDOPERATINGDEFICIT ESTIMATED AT$12M

To view budgetdocuments,download the freeLayar app to yoursmartphone andscan this pageCONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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0211Ed

C


Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle is a great way to protect the planet for future generations. As the “go green” movement continues to grow in popularity, men and women are realizing more and more ways to reduce their carbon footprints.While some might still associate making green strides with carpooling and changing light bulbs, those are not the only ways people can accomplish their eco-friendly goals. One method is to examine a favourite hobby and think of ways to enjoy that hobby in a way that also benefits the environment. Foodies, for example, can take a look around their kitchens to find ways where their love of cooking and food can be joined together with their desires to be more eco-friendly. The following are just a few ways to go green in the kitchen.* Banish bottled water in favour of filters. Bottled water can be very wasteful, even when bottles are made from recycled materials. Energy is necessary to produce, ship and dispose of plastic water bottles. But bottled water can be easily replaced with water filters, which filter contaminants, such as lead, from tap water to create a

GO GREENin the

kitchen

refreshing beverage that’s readily available at any home connected to a water supply. Water-filtering pitchers are inexpensive, which cannot always be said about bottled

water that needs to be periodically restocked. Faucet-mounted filters can be directly attached to the faucet to make the process of filtering water that much easier.

Reconsider how you store leftovers. Many people store their leftovers in plastic containers. While such containers might seem convenient, even ones made from recycled plastic are not necessarily as eco-friendly as consumers may think. That’s because plastic containers are made from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource. Instead, eco-conscious foodies can opt for glass or ceramic containers rather than the more popular plastic alternatives.

Feed your lawn after you feed yourself. Many people don’t like to throw away food, but it’s not just leftovers that can



be repurposed. Coffee grounds and eggshells can be put to use in the garden. You can add them to the compost pile in your yard, where items you would otherwise discard can help enrich the soil, making for healthier lawns and gardens.

Fire up the dishwasher only when it’s full. Dishwashers are typically more eco-friendly than washing dishes by hand, but only when the men and women loading those dishwashers refrain from running them until they are

entirely full. Once the dishwasher is full, choose an efficient setting and let the dishes air-dry overnight instead of drying them with heat. If you need the dishes for hosting duties, dry them by hand with a towel instead of drying with heat.

Rely on smaller appliances. Many home cooks rely on large appliances when working in the kitchen. But unless you’re cooking for a big group, use smaller, more efficient appliances to save energy. For example, when cooking for one or two, use a toaster oven instead of a stove. The toaster oven won’t use the same amount of power as the stove, and the smaller appliance may even cook the food faster.

In addition, when heating water for tea, hot chocolate or coffee, use an electric kettle to heat water instead of the oven cooktop. The smaller appliance is more efficient and won’t consume as much energy.Those who spend ample time in the kitchen have myriad opportunities to make that time more eco-friendly and efficient. —MetroCreative



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home projectsare perfect for

These

springThe rejuvenating spirit of spring makes this beloved season an ideal time for homeowners to take stock of their homes and properties and address any issues that arose during the winter. While some homes make it through winter unscathed, the harsh weather of the year’s coldest season can add several tasks to homeowners’ springtime to-do lists.While some projects are best left to the professionals, others can be tackled even by those homeowners with little or no DIY experience. The following are a handful of projects tailor-made for spring.

Inspect the guttersGutters tend to bear the brunt of harsh winter weather, and come spring gutters are in need of inspection if not repair. Winter winds, snow and heavy rainfall can compromise the effectiveness of

gutters, which can easily accumulate debris and detach from homes during winter storms. In addition, gutters sometimes develop leaks over the winter months. As a result, homeowners should

conduct a careful inspection of their gutters come the spring. When reattaching loose gutters, make sure the downspouts are draining away from the foundation, as gutters that are not

draining properly can cause damage to that foundation and possibly lead to flooding.

Check for freeze damageFrozen temperatures can be hard on humans

and homes alike, but unlike humans who can stay inside when temperatures dip below freezing, homes are forced to withstand the elements throughout the winter. External hose



faucets are often susceptible to freeze damage. To inspect such faucets, turn the water on and then place a thumb or finger over the opening of the faucet. If your thumb or finger can completely stop the flow of water, the pipe where the water is coming from is likely damaged and will need to be replaced.

Examine the lawn for low spotsOnce a lawn has thawed out, homeowners can patrol their properties looking for low spots in the yard or even low spots within spitting distance of the home’s foundation. Such spots increase the likelihood of

flooding. Flooding near a home’s foundation increases the risk of potentially costly damage, while low spots on the lawn that go ignored can make great breeding grounds for insects, including mosquitoes, when the weather warms up. When low spots are detected, fill them in with compacted soil. Compacted soil can prevent spring rains from flooding a yard or damaging a home’s foundation.Assessing potential property damage is a rite of passage for

homeowners in the spring. Though some damage is significant, oftentimes even novice DIYers can work their homes and properties back into shape in time to enjoy spring and summer.

—MetroCreative


Spring fix-up checklistInspect gutters• Clear debris• Reattach any gutters that have come loose

Look for freeze damage• Check external hose faucets by turning on the water and placing your thumb over the

opening. If the flow of water stops completely, the pipe supplying it may be damaged and need replacing.

Check your lawn• Look for low spots and, if you find any, fill them in with compacted soil to prevent flooding.

The yard can be a wonderland for your pet, full of interesting smells, grass

to roll in, bugs to chase and shady spots for naps. But if you use fertilizers, pesticides

and other chemicals, it can be a potentially dangerous place for pets too. Dr. Simon

Starkey, a veterinarian with PetSmart Canada, gives us some important aspects to keep in mind for a safer outdoor adventure:Pesticides: Slug bait and pest poisons are particularly dangerous because the taste entices pets to consume them. Small quantities can be very dangerous to your pet. Ask your local nursery for pet-friendly gardening products and follow application instructions carefully. Tightly seal containers and store them in a

secure place.Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms: There are a variety of poisonous plants and flowers that are dangerous to curious pets. Some common poisonous plants include azaleas, lilies, bulb flowers (like tulips), onions, tomato vines and poppies. Mushrooms are the most commonly ingested organic material in the yard. Remove them. Mushrooms are a fungus and they can grow quickly, even overnight, so check your yard frequently.If you suspect your pet has encountered any of the above, be sure to take it to a vet as soon as possible. Visit www.petsmart.com for more information.

www.newscanada.com

Keep a pet-safe yard this spring


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2233 McAllister Ave. 1121 Austin Ave.Port Coquitlam (604) 942-1200 Coquitlam (604) 931-2468

[email protected] [email protected]

3

vacations

Western Canada is calling your name for an experience your kids will never forget — the chance to see the iconic bison, or buffalo, the very symbol of the Wild West, thundering across the prairie grasslands. The bison are back on the Canadian Prairies after aggressive efforts to restore the herds after near extinction 100 years ago.Visiting one of their natural habitats in Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba national parks, where bison now roam, is sure to delight the entire family.Consider visiting Elk Island National Park near Edmonton, the source herd from which nearly every plains bison in southern Canada can trace its ancestry; or Prince Albert National

Park north of Saskatoon or Grasslands National Park in southern Saskatchewan — each of these parks features large herds of bison. Smaller herds can also be seen at Riding Mountain and Waterton Lakes national parks.July through September is mating season so who knows what shenanigans these enormous mammals will be up to. Watch the bulls compete for the cows and display a variety of behaviours to impress the cows and intimidate each other.During the “rut” the bulls are more aggressive and less cautious of vehicles and people. Watch and listen for behaviours including wallowing, head pushing

and bellowing. Allowing this bison behaviour to carry on undisturbed is important to ensure its natural life cycle is maintained in the park.Parks Canada is working to enhance bison habitat, improve bison viewing and visitor experiences in Elk Island and Prince Albert national parks and promote understanding of Parks Canada’s role in bison conservation.So slip on your cowboy boots, tighten your belt buckle and tip your Stetson

for a thundering good time watching these ancient herbivores in their natural setting. You can find safety tips and planning information on the Parks Canada website at www.parks.gc.ca.

—www.newscanada.com

Head to the Prairies for a thundering good time


1052 D Austin Avenue, Coquitlam (Across from Safeway) 604-936-9969

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50% OFF2ND BREAKFAST

Monday - FridayOrder any breakfast entrée Monday - Friday before 11am& receive the 2nd entrée of equal or lesser value 50% off.

Valid Monday - Friday before 11am for dine-in only at the Coquitlam location.Not to be combined with any other promotional offer. No cash value.Limit one coupon per party of two per visit. Valid until May 31, 2014.

$5.00 OFFLUNCH OR DINNER

Monday - ThursdayMonday - Thursday after 11am receive $5 offLunch or Dinner when you spend $25 or more.

Valid Monday - Thursday after 11am for dine-in only at the Coquitlam location. Not to becombined with any other promotional offer. No cash value. Limit one coupon per party of twoper visit. Min. purchase of $25 per party of two or $12.50 per single diner. Max discount $5 per

two people or $2.50 per single diner. Valid until May 31, 2014.

From award-winning burgers & signature fries, to our freshsalads, BC Chicken, Spot Classics & famous Pirate Paks,there’s always something delightful on the menu atWhite Spot. Join us, morning, noon or night.

WHITE SPOT COQUITLAM500 - 3025 Lougheed Hwy.604-942-9224

Serving delight since 1928.

families now spring 2014

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