GRANT SUPPORTS ARTS

Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Arts Council received a grant from Westminster Savings of $14,000 to help with its Arts Angels program. Arts Angels allows youth to access programs at The ACT at a subsidized rate and sometimes provides free tickets to performances for those who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford to take part. The funding will allow more than 800 students from local schools to take part in a variety of arts programming and attend performances at The ACT. For more information, go to www. theactmapleridge.org.

. More at www.mrtimes.com

RCMP NAB NINE

Nine drivers are off the roads after failing roadside-sobriety tests on the weekend, according to Ridge Meadows RCMP Cpl. Alanna Dunlop.

"Ridge Meadows RCMP continue to take drinking drivers off our roads, making it safer for everyone. If you do drink, plan to not drive. Arrange to have a designated driver, take transit home, or take a cab," Dunlop said.

. More at www.mrtimes.com

VARIETY HOSTS CONTEST

A young songstress from Maple Ridge has the chance to be in the Top 10 of the Variety's Got Talent singing competition, which will be held at River Rock Show Theatre in Richmond on Feb. 9.

Twenty-two year-old Ray Gibson, who is making waves as a YouTube sensation, will compete against 10 other hopefuls in the people's choice competition.

. More at www.mrtimes.com