#WeAreMapleRidge

How long have you lived in Maple Ridge home?
I have lived in Maple Ridge since 2003, so 13 years!

Who inspires you?
My children, my husband, and my parents.  My children because they are always willing to try new things and to stretch their comfort zones (that inspires me).  My husband because he is a dedicated family man who always prioritizes our family even though he has a hectic work schedule.  My parents because they have always been great role models around active living, working hard, and following your dreams.

What makes you proud to live in Maple Ridge?
One of the things that attracted my husband and I to Maple Ridge was the sense of community that could be seen at events and in and around town.  Today, that sense of belonging – of being part of a bigger whole – is still key to why I love Maple Ridge and what makes me proud to say I am from this community.

What’s the kindest thing someone has done for you lately?
I recently had to work on an evening when my daughter had softball; as a long-term softball parent I of course arranged carpooling with another family.  On the evening of the carpool, the Mom showed up at my door to pick up my daughter and I noticed her daughter wasn’t with her.  When I asked about it, she mentioned her daughter was home sick with the flu, but she knew that I needed help and she was committed to doing it.  She recognized how hard it would be for me to change my scheduled appointment with my client and was happy to take my daughter to the game and cheer her on for me.  It was a kind and thoughtless action that really touched me.

What motivates you to give?
In a sense, the cycle of giving and receiving is at the heart of my motivation.  I have received many gifts from people who have invested their time and energy in helping me become a better person. Because I have received so much from others, I in turn want to give back and continue the cycle of investing in others to help them become the best person they can be.

Do you have any favourite local hangouts?
Yes.  The local dikes are great for family walks and for exploring the especially in the summer.  I also love Kanaka Creek Park – both the riverside walk and Cliff Falls.  If I’m looking to go for a coffee in Maple Ridge, Blenz is my choice.  Breakfast at Bobby Socks is always a treat with my good friend Crystal.

What do you do to keep yourself happy and healthy?
To keep myself happy and healthy, I spend as much time as possible with my family playing games, exploring the community and just generally hanging out relaxing.  In the summer, I can often be found in my backyard reading a book while swinging in my hammock.  Getting out walking and cycling are also priorities.

I’m Angie McLeod, happily married mother of 2 gorgeous daughters.  I spend my evenings and weekends shuttling my girls to sporting activities and use that time to connect with the many great families we have met over the years.  I own and operate HIP Strategic Consulting through which I host and facilitate conversations and connect people and ideas.  I am currently training for the BC Lung Associations Bicycle Trek for Life and Breathe, a 200 KM ride over two days from White Rock to Cultus Lake and back in September 2016 to raise funds for lung disease research.

Name: Larissa Franklin

How long have you called Maple Ridge home?
I was born here and grew up here – so, my whole life!

What inspires you to give?
Knowing how many people have helped me along the way, and appreciating that I have the ability to give back in many different ways.

What makes you proud to be from Maple Ridge?
Being so close to the mountains and nature, as well as the safe, community feeling you get living here.

How do you keep yourself happy and healthy?
I like to always be busy and productive. I am conscious of standing as much as I can, working out, and eating healthy. If I do these things, I am 100% at my happiest and healthiest.

What’s the kindest thing someone has done for you lately?
A lot of people have provided me with opportunities in coaching lately, that I am thankful for!

Who is your hero, and why?
I definitely have to go with my mom. That woman is unbelievable! She does everything for everyone else, has shown me that it is good to be busy, and always steps out of the house with a smile and a giddy attitude that is contagious!

Growing up in Maple Ridge, BC, Larissa Franklin was a member of the White Rock Renegades organization until she made the jump to Softball Canada’s Women’s National Team program. Known for her excellent slap game and incredible speed, she earned a spot on the Junior Women’s National Team in 2011.

Franklin recently transferred to Western Kentucky University for her senior year after spending three years at Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne, where she led her team in batting average (.459), hits (84), total bases (106), stolen bases (19) and on-base percentage (.515) and was named to the Summit League First All-Conference Team last season. Her .459 average was second in the Summit League this season, and was also the fourth-best single season batting average in Summit League History, while her 84 hits were most in school history and second most in League history. With one season of eligibility remaining, she is already IPFW’s career record holder in stolen bases and is also in the top five in runs scored and hits.

At the National Team level, Franklin’s first international experience came as a member of the Junior Women’s National Team in 2011, where Canada finished fifth at the ISF Junior Women’s World Championship in Cape Town, South Africa. She joined the Women’s National Team in 2013, competing in the US World Cup of Softball VIII, the Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship and the VIII Pan American Championship in Puerto Rico where Team Canada won the silver medal. In 2014, she started nine games for Team Canada at the ISF Women’s World Championship in Haarlem, Netherlands, finishing second on the team with a .409 batting average. With stellar plays in the outfield, Franklin most recently helped Team Canada take home Gold at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.

Name: Jan Hickman

How long have you called Maple Ridge home?
I was born in Holland and immigrated to Canada at the age of 6 – went to St Pat’s Catholic school & then was in the first graduating class out of Garibaldi High school in 1965. I moved to Australia in 1966, England 1968, Holland 1969 & then back to Ontario for the next 12 years. I have been back in Maple Ridge since 1982.

Who inspires you?
A lot of people inspire me, but my son and daughter inspire me the most.

What makes you proud to be from Maple Ridge?
I love this community I live in. I’m proud of all that we have: arts, recreation, local shopping and, best of all, amazing community spirit!

How do you keep yourself happy and healthy?
My family is my motivation to stay happy and healthy. I tell my children “I am at my best when I am needed” – this extends to my community as well.

What’s the kindest thing someone has done for you lately?
My 7 year old grandson, Rocco, recently told me I’m his best friend.

Jan Hickman is a Realtor with ReMax Lifestyle Realty. She is a Director with the Maple Ridge Community Foundation, Ambassador for Alisa’s Wish, Past President of Haney Rotary where she is still a member. Jan also sits on several committees for the Vancouver Real Estate Board. 

Name: Ron Antalek

How long have you called Maple Ridge home?
My whole life! 53 years.

What motivates you to give?
The people, youth and children of Maple Ridge.

What makes you proud to be from Maple Ridge?
The beauty of our rivers, lakes, mountains, forests, farms, and people.

Do you have a favourite local hangout?
My favourite park is Golden Ears Park.

How do you keep yourself happy and healthy?
I enjoy friends, family and work. I also eat well and play sports.

What’s the kindest thing someone has done for you lately?
I was awarded 2016 Citizen of the Year by the Maple Ridge Community Foundation.

Ron Antalek was born and raised in Maple Ridge. He is a Realtor with Re/Max Lifestyles Realty and has been in the top 10 Realtors in Canada for Re/Max since 1993, and the #1 Realtor since 1993 out of all Realtors in Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows division of REBGV for units sold. Ron was awarded the Maple Ridge Community Foundation’s Citizen of the Year Award in 2016.

Name: Betty Levens

How long have you called Maple Ridge home?
55 years. I came here from Australia, though I’m originally from Britain.

What inspires you to give?
It goes back to my time in Scouts/Guides. The promise made when you first join says: “To do my best, to do my duty to God and the Queen, to help other people at all times, and to obey the scout/guide laws”. I have been involved with guides and scouts since 1942.

What do you enjoy about living here?
Maple Ridge is a wonderful community. It’s small enough to get to know many people, and there are so many great groups to be a part of. I’ve always loved it here.

Do you have a favourite local hangout?
I love the ACT!

How do you keep yourself happy and healthy?
I sing with the Maple Ridge Choral Society and the Silvertones. I spend time with family, my grandchildren.

Name: Ineke Boekhorst

What do you love most about Maple Ridge?
Our four kids grew up and attended school here; we moved to Canada to have space for our children. They were raised on a hobby farm in Webster’s Corner. People still smile and say hello here. You can approach anyone.

What inspires you to give?
Other people. We all learn from every interaction. It’s one big circle.

What’s the nicest thing someone has done for you lately?
The BIA was nominated as Business of the Year by the ACT. It really meant a lot; I was impressed our work was recognized. I was also nominated as Business Person of the Year. And then a sweet elderly lady gave me a hug on the street; she remembered me from my time at Haney Bingo.

Who inspires you?
My children inspire me every day. My grandchildren, too. They are good to one another, and so smart with technology!

I’m also so inspired by a group of local students who worked on a mural with an artist, in downtown Maple Ridge. Youth working with an older generation – it’s great to see.