Wednesday August 26, 2015 (Vol. 40 No. 68)
V O I C E
O F
W H I T E
R O C K
A N D
S O U T H
Out, but not down: The White Rock All-Stars were eliminated from the Little League World Series over the weekend, but that hasn’t dampened the experience of a lifetime for the young players. i see page 19
S U R R E Y
w w w. p e a c e a r c h n e w s . c o m
Japanese knotwood capable of moving concrete, residents warned
On the lookout for this ‘wicked’ weed Melissa Smalley Staff Reporter
A South Surrey resident is raising the alarm over an invasive plant he recently discovered near his home. Mardie Wolsey was picking blackberries with his grandchildren at 26 Avenue and Cranley Drive, near Sunnyside Park, when a suspicious-looking plant caught his eye. Having recently read an article in Macleans about Japanese knotweed – and how it is aggressively taking over certain parts of
the province – Wolsey recognized its broad green leaves, round, bamboo-like stems and small white flowers. After sending pictures of the plant to the provincial forest ministry’s invasive plant department, Wolsey’s suspicions were confirmed. “They thanked me for noticing it, and confirmed that it is knotweed,” Wolsey said. “They told me that they will get at it, and I hope they do. It’s wicked stuff.” According to Jennifer Grenz, project man-
ger with the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver, Japanese knotweed poses a “huge risk” to the local environment and infrastructure. “It’s capable of upheaving concrete, cracking foundations,” Grenz told Peace Arch News. “It’s something that’s happened to such an extent in the U.K. that people are being denied insurance and mortgages because of it. It’s only a matter of time over here before that begins to be an issue.” i see page 2
Melissa Smalley photo
Mardie Wolsey discovers knotweed plant.
Members vote 13-10
Players give hook to artistic director Alex Browne Staff Reporter
Members of White Rock Players Club have voted to remove Ryan Mooney as the community theatre group’s artistic director. However, the club’s newly elected board, in its first meeting Aug. 19, decided to keep Mooney on as director of the first production in the upcoming season – Death of a Salesman (Oct. 7-24) and possibly for a subse- Ryan Mooney players club quent show, Boeing, Boeing. Mooney said by email Monday that he is “happy to receive the support of the new board, and, at this point, have committed to directing Death of a Salesman.” The decision to remove Mooney from the volunteer position comes at what president Fred Partridge terms a “critical time” for the club, which faces financial hardships as a result of declining box office. i see page 4
Crowning achievement Young royalty from around the Semiahmoo Peninsula flocked to Star of the Sea Hall Saturday for the White Rock Princess Party, which included appearances by Queen Elsa and Princess Anna (far right) of Frozen fame. The fundraiser, in its sixth year, included close to 250 little princes and princesses and raised more than $18,000 to help create an all-abilities park. Boaz Joseph photos
Do your shoes help or hinder?
When you are looking for new shoes, there are 3 key factors to be aware of: fit, feel, and function. Our team will assess your biomechanics to help you find the right shoes.
NEW ARRIVAL!
Gel-Cumulus 17
FIT
Feel
Function
Your shoe must match your unique foot shape and size.
From your heel to your toes, your shoe should feel awesome. Always.
Your shoe needs to perform optimally for your mechanics in your desired activity.
$15 OFF
reg-price footwear
15185 Russell Ave 604.535.4402 Valid in-store or online | www.kintec.net
Use code: N10175 No actual cash value, cannot be combined with other offers. Expires Sept 12, 2015.