#WeAreMapleRidge

Name: Margaret Kury

How long have you lived in Maple Ridge?
I was born and raised here.

Where is your favourite local hangout?
My garden and the legion. I have been involved with them since 1979.

How do you like to give back to your community?
I have always given to charity in some form or other. I have four that I regularly fundraise for, and an endowment at Douglas College which I contribute to each year. I also volunteer at the blood donor clinic once a month, and have for 36 years. I’m very involved in the legion and lots of community events.

Who is your hero?
Larry – my husband who passed away in March 2014. His manner, compassion and his love for me. He totally supported my kids and I in everything.

What’s the nicest thing someone has done for you lately?
After I had surgery, a friend came over and totally cleaned my home for me as I couldn’t use my one arm. She is a dear friend.

What do you do to keep yourself happy and healthy?
I walk a lot. I used to be involved with Adopt A Block, and would clean up my area where I live. After that ended, I kept up picking up “stuff” wherever I walked. I also love gardening. I inherited dahlias from my Dad who died in 1970. My garden is wonderful! I also love listening to music and I read a lot.

How long have you lived in Maple Ridge?
8 years now. We moved here when we were expecting our first child.

What makes you proud to call it home?
I feel lucky and proud to raise my kids in a great family-oriented community. Everywhere we go, we will run into some familiar faces and that is a great feeling.

What inspires you to give?
As a brand new Mom in a new city, with no family or friends nearby, it was hard for me. I went from a dark place to a bright place, all thanks to music, dance and fitness. I had the opportunity to share my background and passion with this community. What was my happy place is now a happy place for many. That’s how I like to inspire and give to my community.

Who is your hero?
Without a doubt, my Mom is my hero. She sets huge examples of values, patience, strength. She is the one person I want to spend as much time with as possible, though that doesn’t happen as often as I wish as she lives in Mexico.

What do you do to keep yourself happy and healthy?
Going to church is important in my family. I love long walks, hikes and biking with my kids and husband. Doing Zumba is my happiness and passion. Now and then, I like to volunteer with the city and throw outdoor events, so we can be healthy together and meet more wonderful people.

Do you have a favourite local hangout?
The stores along 224th Street are awesome. I like to support local stores. North Beach during the summer is one of my favourite places to suntan and swim with family and friends. I know there is so much more exploring we need to do yet! A&W Thursdays classic car shows are a family favourite, too.

What is the nicest thing someone has done for you lately?
Just recently I was asked to write an article about myself and how I have changed lives in a positive, healthy way with fitness at my Zumba studio in Maple Ridge. For that I feel honoured and happy. With thanks to this great community, who inspires me to give. I want to give as long as I can.

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To read more #WeAreMapleRidge stories, please click here.

Name: Mike Murray

How long have you called Maple Ridge home? I have lived here since 1995, and worked here since 1977.

What inspires you to give? I’ve been so blessed with the opportunities my family and I have had here in Maple Ridge, it’s important to give back. You always end up getting back more than you give. It gives one a sense of satisfaction and belonging when you help others.

Do you have a favourite local hangout? Maple Ridge Park, with my grandkids.

What is the kindest thing someone has done for you lately? Someone has stepped up to help with a major fundraising project I’ve been working with for five years. I really appreciate their commitment.

What makes you proud to be from Maple Ridge? It is a wonderful community full of wonderful people who care about each other.

What do you do to keep happy and healthy? I stay involved in my community, attend performances at the ACT, and try to work out regularly.

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To read more #WeAreMapleRidge stories, please click here.

How long have you lived in Maple Ridge?
Since 1957. I came to Maple Ridge from Victoria as a bride.

What makes you proud to call it home?
When I see how well all of our parks are cared for, I are thrilled to be from here.

And the ACT. They are devoted to the programs and support all of their productions. Out of town visitors we take there are blown away that we have such a facility in our city.

Do you have any favourite local hangouts?
Cliff Park. I walk there on a regular basis.

Who is your hero?
One of them is my oldest daughter Janet. She is a talented artist, a beautiful person, and a wonderful grandmother. Another is my mother in law. She had rheumatoid arthritis from the time she was 14, yet she never let it stop her from doing anything. She was very involved with church work, etc.

What inspires you to get involved in your community?
Projects that I have a strong feeling for. As an example, I wrote on behalf of the Maple Ridge Historical Society in the newspaper, because I have a great passion for that.

What’s the nicest thing someone has done for you lately?
Someone took over a job I used to do for a local organization. I didn’t want to leave them in the lurch, so it was very nice to have someone step up for me.

What do you do to keep yourself happy and healthy?
Yoga classes, reading (I belong to two book clubs), walking daily if possible, eating lots of fruits and veggies. We both love music and theatre, so we are very fortunate.

How long did you call Maple Ridge home?
I was born and raised in Maple Ridge and called it home up until August of last year! I now live downtown Toronto, where I am currently writing and recording for my new solo venture.

What support did you receive in the community to help you realize your dreams?
Growing up, I was always part of the arts in Maple Ridge. I was involved in dance, musical theatre, choir and sang at numerous fairs and events. Maple Ridge is where it started for me! And it will always be my home.

What inspires you to give?
God. I am lucky to be blessed with so much and to have had so many amazing opportunities. I love to give back as much as I can. Whether that be with my voice, or my time, it gives me great pleasure to help people. One of my favourite things to do when I’m visiting home is to make sandwiches for the homeless. I do this at my church, Burnett Fellowship.

Where do you love to visit when you come home?
When I visit Maple Ridge every few months, my fave place to be is at home with my family and little dog CJ. I also enjoy the beautiful scenery the surrounds my house. It is a much different view at my condo here in Toronto, that looks out to the CN Tower!

Who is your hero, and why?
My mother. She has taught me everything I know. She is currently suffering with Lyme disease, which is a daily battle for her, but her strength is so inspiring

What do you do to keep happy and healthy?
Obviously, when I’m singing or in the studio, I am my happiest! And to stay healthy, I maintain a vegetarian diet along with boot camp and dance classes.

What’s the nicest thing someone has done for you lately?
My mom always sends me surprise care packages in the mail. I received one yesterday and it brightened my day!

How long have you lived in Maple Ridge?
We have lived for 26 years on Thornhill.

Why are you proud to call it home?
Our local community, the people and the natural beauty of Maple Ridge.

What inspires you to give?
How good it makes us feel and that perhaps it will make a difference.

Where is your favourite local hangout?
Our backyard is our favourite local hangout, and our favourite park is Golden Ears.

Who is your hero, and why?
All the people who give of themselves without any desire for recognition.

What do you do to keep yourself happy and healthy?
We have laughter, purpose & love eating what we grow.