Big Picture Stuff | Mike Starchuk

Remembering Al Cleaver

Today we lost a true Surrey Pioneer and former Surrey Fire Chief, Al Cleaver.

It is easy to say there will never be a Fire Chief who will accomplish as much as Al did, during his career and lifetime.

An advocate for all that is Surrey; Al never stopped putting Surrey first. He never stopped trying to “get things done”and even in his last few weeks, he was relentless in getting a meeting with Mayor Hepner so the Friends of the Museum could make sure their plans and ideas were addressed. I am glad and proud we were able to facilitate that meeting so the results of the meeting (read “the good news”) could be conveyed to Al.

I am thankful for the support Al gave me during the civic election and was proud to see him in one of those gold and black T-shirts.

One can only wish to achieve a portion of what Al accomplished in a lifetime.

Al, thanks for taking a chance and hiring me 32 years ago, I promise I won’t let you down!

Below is a part of a memo sent to the City, that outlined some of his achievements. What can’t be put in words is the enthusiasm he had for all of these endeavors.

• The retired Surrey Fire Chief, Al Cleaver created a culture of community service and volunteerism and since his retirement in 1986 he has lived this by example

• He is Past-President and member of the Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association

• Chairman of the Surrey Heritage Advisory Committee

• Member of the 1999 Cultural Strategic Planning Task Force

• Founding member of the Friends of the Surrey Museum and Archives Society

• Chairman and member of the Heritage Services Community Advisory Board

• Member of the Surrey Professional Pioneer Fire Fighters Association

• The Surrey Historical Society and the Surrey Tourism Association

• Through the Friends of the Surrey Museum and Archives Society he helped to raise over a million dollars for the new Museum capital campaign

• He negotiated a Surrey Leader media sponsorship to promote new heritage programs and services

• He raised funds for a Museum Endowment Fund

• He launched a sponsorship program to raise funds to sponsor free admission to the Museum in 2011

• He has worked with the Heritage Commission to co-ordinate research and prepare a publication featuring 250 heritage buildings and sites in Surrey’s twenty-five original communities

• He assisted with the planning for the production of educational videos on Surrey’s built, natural and cultural heritage

• He has hosted Heritage Week bus tours

• He worked with members of the Fire Fighter’s Pioneer Society to raise $30,000 to fund a Fire Fighter’s history gallery for the Surrey Museum

• Long standing member of the Surrey Historical Society

• Active member at large for the Heritage Services, Community Advisory Board

Happy Holidays

The Holiday Season is now here, and the New Year is just around the corner. This is the time of year when we should set aside some time to celebrate and reflect on the past year with friends and family.

During this hectic time of year, we often try to fit too much in a short time span. Plan ahead; take it easy while you’re driving, so you get there and back, in one calm and relaxed piece.

Think about those who are less fortunate and contribute to those agencies that can make a difference. Think about what your goals will be for 2015 and how you will achieve them.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

I look forward to what is coming for Surrey in 2015!

Happy Holidays!

Thank You Surrey

Thank you Surrey!

Thank You

An open thank you to all of those who have helped me. Because of Elections BC regulations, we aren’t allowed to be ‘social’ on Social Media tomorrow… but please don’t think, because this account suddenly goes silent, that we aren’t out there, trying to earn every last vote.

I appreciate all the LIKES, SHARES, and wonderful comments of support we’ve received throughout the campaign! They mean SO much to me and my team. On Election Day, please remember to contact your friends, family and neighbours, and remind them how important it is to vote.

A few shout-outs before the silence of Social Media becomes the regulatory requirement.

I want to thank all of you that I have had the opportunity to meet and speak with over the last few months. I have to let you all know that regardless of the support (one way or another) I have grown from this experience. I hope the voters of Surrey give me the opportunity to use this experience.

Thank you to the Surrey First Councillors, Candidates and Campaign Team, who have all become extended members of my family.

I want to thank “Mike’s Campaign” team for all of their hard work and their persistence to keep me moving forward. They have been there at a moment’s notice for tasks that we wanted and needed to be done. These are the people that I am proud to call friends and will cherish taking this journey with them.

To my fellow firefighters. Words will never describe my thanks for your efforts to get me noticed. Yes. I know I did some of that on my own, but my IAFF Brothers and Sisters efforts have surpassed my wildest dreams. Together we have made firefighting synonymous with public safety, as it should be. I am truly proud to be a member of the IAFF and will never forget a somewhat copied phrase I have used from many years ago and plan to continue to use, “membership has its privileges” and I’m privileged and honoured to be a member.

Lastly, to my family. They have seen the highs and lows of this campaign and offered nothing other than words of praise (sprinkled with a few swift kicks in the butt) during the past months. They understand the pressures I have been under and I couldn’t have done this without their support. Love you all!

Consider this a “good luck” chain letter and consider calling 10 people and letting them know that the Surrey First TEAM is the best choice for all of Surrey and you get great luck! Add the Surrey First Education team and you get super great luck!

Thank you.

Mike

Cloverdale Cenotaph Remembrance Service

An amazing and moving Remembrance Day ceremony today, at the Cloverdale Cenotaph.

Kudos to the organizers!

Everything went off perfectly, right down to the crisp, clear weather!

Honoured to be asked to help with the wreath laying, on behalf of Surrey Fire Fighters – Local 1271.

#LestWeForget

(Click on any image to open it in a pop-up gallery)

Giving Thanks

With 35 days before the Municipal election, November 15th, I’d like to take a moment and thank ALL of you who are assisting me and my TEAM, with OUR election campaign.

There are many parts to a good team and I have the “best parts” helping me along the way. Whether it is canvassing, calling, posting, liking, re-tweeting, writing, packaging, building, erecting signs or just showing up… I’m thankful for all of your assistance and words of encouragement.

Focusing on the end goal is much easier when OUR volunteers in the campaign are as helpful as you all are, and I appreciate this greatly.

Thank you, and enjoy the Thanksgiving long weekend!

(Below are a few pictures from today’s voter meet & greet at Guildford Town Centre with Mike & Vera LeFranc, as well as a few from Newton Athletic Park. Click on any image to open them in a pop-up viewer.)