Dear Friends,

The MATRIX was successfully launched last Thursday (January 17th, 2008) at the George Mackie Library. I want to thank all those who came and especially Rita Penco, Library Manager who kindly let us use the library for the launch. What better location to promote a service directory full of information than in a room full of books!

We have received a lot of positive feedback for both the webpage and the directory. My staff has a folder which is filling rapidly with suggestions and additions. We have added the Centre for Child Development in Surrey. We have also linked the Kennedy Senior Centre to “Community and Culture” as well as “Recreation” as they rightly pointed out that their programs are for people 55 and up and these folks are not “seniors.” The MATRIX on this webpage is your community information, so we happily welcome all your suggestions and requested additions. I also invite you to link us to your association’s page so your members can likewise access the information here.

My current concern is that the Burns Bog is threatened by highway development proposals and, as of January 23rd news, by more of Metro Vancouver garbage. While I applaud any initiative to decrease our garbage output—better recycling, less waste produced by packaging, etc., those who know me well know that I truly desire to protect the bog from any possible further harm. I have added a couple of articles in the “Local Issues” regarding my opinions on this and invite you to read them at your leisure. I will be adding more in the near future.

Regards,

MLA Guy Gentner