Delta Optimist March 11 2015 by Delta Optimist

Fair share sought

Delta joins push for hospital funding

Long road to Lyme Couple fighting for others with disease

Elevate your mood Exercise can help you feel better

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

Tree service worker killed in Tilbury

On the road to a masterpiece!

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Artist Toni Williams takes advantage of a mild late winter day to set up her easel by the side of the road to capture some of Delta’s rural scenery.

GORD GOBLE

A 55-year-old man died in a workplace accident in Ladner last weekend. The man, an employee with a tree service, was killed by a falling tree. Police, fire and paramedics responded to the call in the 7900-block of Huston Road in the Tilbury area just before 10 a.m. Saturday. The man was declared dead at the scene. Sgt. Sarah Swallow of the Delta police said it’s not clear whether the worker was responsible for cutting the tree or spotting at the time of the incident. WorkSafe B.C. was also called in and has taken over the investigation, which is still ongoing, said spokesperson Trish Knight Chernecki. She aid the man was working for Paul’s Tree Service, an Abbotsford-based business.

More twists in emotional journey

Kyle McConkey approved, rejected and then approved again for experimental cancer treatment in Seattle BY

JESSICA KERR

jkerr@delta-optimist.com

The roller coaster of emotions continues for Kyle McConkey and his Tsawwassen family in the teen’s ongoing battle with leukemia. After being told last week that Kyle’s cancer had spread and an experimental treatment in the U.S. was no longer an option, the 18-year-old has improved over the last five days, said dad Ross

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McConkey, and the treatment has been rescheduled to start March 24. Kyle was initially approved for the treatment at Seattle Children’s Hospital last Tuesday, however after returning home to prepare for the procedure, doctors discovered the cancer had spread to his spine. The experimental treatment in the U.S. was cancelled, he was admitted to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and the family

was told once again there his cancer levels are were no treatment options lower and the family left. is preparing to return The McConkeys, howto Seattle. ever, were not about to give “We have hope here up hope and searched out that we can get down a second opinion and other there,” he said. treatment options in New Kyle has been batKyle York and Philadelphia. tling leukemia for the McConkey In the meantime, Kyle better part of three has begun to see some years and, after runimprovement over the last sevning out of treatment options eral days. Ross McConkey said here at home, heard about an his son has gained some weight, experimental treatment that had

some success for other leukemia patients at Seattle Children’s Hospital. An online crowdfunding campaign raised more than $250,000 to help pay for the treatment, which would not be covered by insurance. Ross McConkey said the family would like to thank the community for all the support it has received. “We’re just really grateful,” he said.

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A2 The Delta Optimist March 11, 2015

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Occupation: Student in Nursing What is the activity? Sauna, swimming laps, playing with my niece Where and when does this take place? Ladner Leisure Centre. How often do you participate? 3-5 times per week. How long have you been involved? 5 months. Why did you get involved in this activity? To relax after exams and after working out. What do you like best about this activity? Swimming is relaxing, is a good workout and keeps the kids active. How does it beneﬁt your life? Relaxing helps me feel good about myself. What other things do you do to keep active? Running 5km outside – even in the rain! Did you know that it is never too late to learn to swim? Adult swim lessons are a great opportunity to learn a life-saving skill, or to overcome fear and gain conﬁdence in the water. They are also ideal for those who already know how to swim and want to improve or develop proper swim strokes. For adults who just want to focus on relaxing, drop into the Serenity Swim at the Ladner Leisure Centre on Thursday nights from 9:15-10:15pm. The lights are dimmed and the music will soothe you into a great relaxed state. For more information on Delta Parks, Recreation & Culture programs and drop-in schedules, visit us online at delta.ca, call us at 604-952-3000 or stop by your local recreation centre.

March 11, 2015 The Delta Optimist A3

There are many ways to connect with the Optimist, both online and through social media.

Delta backs hospital push Civic politicians say Delta Hospital not receiving its fair share of funding from Fraser Health BY

SANDOR GYARMATI

sgyarmati@delta-optimist.com

Keeping South Delta informed in print since 1922, all the news, sports, entertainment, events and more is now available any time online or on your smart phone at: delta-optimist.com Get exclusive online-only content like community blogs, including Kristin Crouch’s latest piece about sustainable garden classes

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Optimist readers can comment on online stories on our website. Check it out at www.delta-optimist.com

Delta is joining forces with advocates trying to improve the surgical care at the community’s hospital. Friends of Delta Hospital supporters were on hand at Delta council’s meeting Monday evening to hear a presentation on a report by CAO George Harvie and discussion by civic politicians about how the hospital is being woefully underfunded and under serviced compared to communities of equal size in the Fraser Health region. Much to the satisfaction of those in attendance, council pledged its commitment to help the advocacy group and the doctors at Delta Hospital who first sounded alarm bells last fall about the shortcomings of the care they’re able to provide. Noting the hospital is grappling with an erosion of services and qualified staff, Harvie said the health region transferring 150 patients per year from Delta to other hospitals for surgical procedures that, in many cases, could be performed here is both costly and stressful. Despite the FHA trumpeting the hospital performing thousands of day surgeries annually, the doctors of the Delta Hospital Medical Staff Association raised concern about the surgical program, which does not operate at the same level as other hospitals. In Delta, operating rooms close at 3 p.m., which means those who require urgent procedures after that time have to be transferred to another hospital. There was agreement among council members that Delta isn’t getting its

CAO George Harvie (left) provides Delta council with a presentation on Delta Hospital at Monday’s meeting. fair share and a strong business case can be made for a fuller surgical program, especially with Canada’s largest container port in the community planning to double in size and the arrival next year of the Tsawwassen First Nation mega malls. Coun. Bruce McDonald said it’s a shame the health region doesn’t understand that North Delta is part of Delta and can be well served by Delta Hospital, which is made all the easier with the new South Fraser Perimeter Road. “It’s really, really unfortunate that Fraser Health doesn’t seem to get it. We are a community of over 100,000 people and it should be treated accordingly. I’m not sure how we get that message through

but I do believe that is our biggest problem... the people of South Delta are not receiving adequate care and it’s not fair,” said McDonald. Saying the community will not be stopped when it comes to fighting for its most vulnerable citizens, Mayor Lois Jackson lamented how hard the community fought against the FHA to save the hospital over a decade ago, only to see an erosion of services. She noted Delta must go straight to the politically appointed board of Fraser Health to get answers. Council approved a series of actions, including requesting a meeting with provincial Health Minister Terry Lake. The goal is to convince those in charge to develop

a long-term, community-based health care plan toward the establishment of a 20-bed surgical ward within a 150-bed hospital, as well as in-patient mental health services and comprehensive orthopedic services, a plan that should be developed within a two- to threeyear timeframe. Coun. Jeannie Kanakos noted council now has much more information about the hospital than had been provided by FHA officials who made a presentation at a workshop several weeks ago. Council agreed that restoring surgical services to the hospital’s previous levels would take stages, hoping to get four surgical acute care beds as recommended by the doctors, for starters.

PHOTO BY

SANDOR GYARMATI

Ultimately, the goal is “a proportionate share of the $3 billion committed by the B.C. government towards health care services over the next three years be targeted to fund service improvements at Delta Hospital that would bring it up to the same service levels as other hospitals in communities of comparable size in British Columbia.” Council also reiterated its support for the so-called “Declaration of Dependence” for the hospital, written by Doug Massey during the planned deep cuts by Fraser Health in the early 2000s. Friends of Delta Hospital says it has a petition with more than 3,000 signatures, which can be signed at dozens of locations throughout the community.

Public asked for help in selecting next police chief The Delta police board is looking for input from local residents in its search for a new chief. Long-time chief Jim Cessford retired last month after 20 years at the helm and the board is currently

on the hunt for his replacement. The board is interested in hearing from local residents on what they think should be a focus for the department as it moves into a new era.

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The board is asking Delta residents to provide feedback on a few different issues: • What do you see as the challenges facing the Delta Police Department from a community perspective?

• Where do you think the Delta Police Department should focus its efforts? • What key attributes are you seeking in a new police chief? All responses will be kept confidential and will

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be used to help set criteria for the position and to communicate expectations to the new chief. Responses must be submitted via email to DPDChief@pfmsearch.com by noon this Friday.

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A4 The Delta Optimist March 11, 2015

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SANDOR GYARMATI

sgyarmati@delta-optimist.com

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A University of B.C. scholarship has been created in memory of Tsawwassen’s John Meech, a professor of mining engineering who passed away last month. Meech, who ran for mayor in Delta’s 2011 civic election, had an interesting and distinguished career. A passionate educator, he was a member of the UBC mining faculty for 26 years, helping usher multiple generations of students into the field. Meech was also the director of CERM3 — the Centre for Environmental

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Research in Minerals, Metals and Materials. A graduate of McGill University and Queen’s University, he spent four years in Zambia with Roan Consolidated Mines Ltd. before returning in 1974 to Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, to conduct research. Meech was one of the principal organizers of IPMM’97 (Intelligent Processing and Manufacturing of Materials), which was held in 1997 in Australia. Since then, the conference has been held biannually in cities around the globe. He enjoyed visiting

FILE PHOTO

schools to talk with students about careers in the mining industry, Meech joined UBC’s Department of Mining and Mineral Process Engineering in 1989. UBC says its memorial funds enable friends and family to create a lasting legacy by ensuring their contributions form an endowment that will enrich the university experience for current and future generations of UBC students, faculty and alumni. For more information about the fund in memory of John Meech, visit memorial.supporting.ubc.ca/johnmeech/.

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Prior to Delta council setting property tax rates this spring, it is seeking public feedback on the proposed 2015 Financial Plan, including the budget, funding priorities, municipal services and upcoming projects. The proposed 2015 budget strategy calls for a 2.99 per cent tax increase. New this year, Delta is offering online engagement through Citizen Budget, an interactive tool that enables citizens to take part in the municipal budget process in new ways. Residents can visit delta.citizenbudget.com to simulate their own Delta municipal budget by allocating tax dollars to their preferred funding categories and experience some of the decisions council faces when developing the annual budget. Developed by OpenNorth, a Canadian

non-profit organization whose goal is to educate and empower citizens to participate in government, Citizen Budget allows taxpayers to model their individual budget choices as part of a municipal financial planning exercise. The cost of the Citizen Budget software program is about $7,000 per year. It has been used by many other Canadian municipalities, including Coquitlam, Township of Langley, Edmonton, Regina, Toronto and Montreal. Delta residents are asked to provide feedback on Delta’s 2015 Financial Plan by March 23 via the following options: • Web — delta.citizenbudget.com • Email — finance@ delta.ca • Phone — 604-946-3230 • Fax — 604-946-3962 The 2015 Financial Plan is available at Delta.ca.

Delta seeking feedback before taking stance on referendum

March 11, 2015 The Delta Optimist A5

Most local governments have been out campaigning for a ‘yes’ vote BY

SANDOR GYARMATI

sgyarmati@delta-optimist.com

Unlike many Lower Mainland cities that are actively campaigning for a “yes” vote, Delta has taken a neutral position for now on the upcoming transit referendum. Civic politicians here are seeking feedback from residents that will be compiled in a report to be put together by municipal staff by the end of this month. Resident feedback is due no later than March 16. Accompanied by a message from Mayor Lois Jackson, information about the proposed 0.5 per cent increase to the provincial sales tax, called the Metro Vancouver Congestion Improvement Tax, was included with municipal utility bills with a request for citizen input. The proposed tax hike is expected to generate $250 million annually, money that would be earmarked for transportation improvements identified in a 10year, $7.5 billion plan put together by the region’s mayors. The plan calls for a Broadway subway and light rail for Surrey, among much else, but not a whole lot for Delta. Elections B.C. will

mail a voting package to each registered voter in Metro Vancouver between Monday, March 16 and Friday, March 27. Eligible voters will have until May 29 to submit their ballots. A simple majority will be all that’s needed for the tax to receive approval. Although Jackson is a member of the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation, she continues to voice misgivings about the transparency and structure of TransLink. “There’s just general statements for us and I’ve been pressing to get something much more specific. If you’re going to increase the buses - OK, how many, where and when?” Noting the transit authority and mayors need to look “futuristically” at transit needs, Jackson said Delta is asking that a direct bus from South Delta to Downtown Vancouver be restored, a service lost when the Canada Line was added. “The only answer we got is a non-answer. They said they have upgraded the SkyTrain station in Richmond so that it’s got better lighting and access to transfer. I said, ‘That’s not what we need.’ I don’t want to see seniors have to get off the bus and try to get

Sentencing in child porn case postponed to April BY

SANDOR GYARMATI

sgyarmati@delta-optimist.com

The sentencing of a former Delta school district psychologist who pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography has been rescheduled for next month. William Brook, a Point Roberts resident, was charged in the United States with possessing hundreds of images and videos of child porn, including scenes of children being sexually assaulted. On bail under several conditions, including not being able to cross the border or having contact with anyone under 18, Brook was to be sentenced last week, but that has been postponed to April 10. No longer an employee of the school district, Brook is alleged to have downloaded the pornographic material at his Point Roberts home.

Acting on a tip, U.S. Homeland Security stopped Brook as he attempted to cross the border into Point Roberts from Tsawwassen last May. Officers seized a Delta school district-issued laptop he had in his possession, but no illegal images were found on that computer. Delta police launched an investigation to see if there might have been any wrongdoing by Brook on this side of the border, but police note there’s no evidence that he committed any crime here. At the time of his arrest, the Delta school district confirmed Brook was an employee, but would not say which schools he worked at or the ages of the students he assessed. Brook was charged with possessing child porn, but hasn’t been charged with producing it or attempting to lure children.

over to where they have to go and maybe a bus at the other end. “That’s the problem we have, there’s no accountability by that (TransLink) board. The unfortunate part of this entire matter is everyone is zeroing in on how bad TransLink is and the majority of people writing to me are saying

TransLink can’t be trusted and TransLink has to be fixed. But, unfortunately, that’s not on the table.” Noting the bridge to replace the George Massey Tunnel is a provincial project and not a TransLink or mayors’ initiative, Jackson is hoping light rail capability will be part of that project.

FILE PHOTO

Delta is expected to see increased bus frequency if the transit referendum is approved.

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A6 The Delta Optimist March 11, 2015

Long road leads to Lyme Ladner woman finally gets proper diagnosis, but the battle is far from over BY

JESSICA KERR

jkerr@delta-optimist.com

It seemed innocent enough. In March 2009, Elaine Crossley was working in the yard with her husband Bill Wheeler. Later that day, she noticed a bite on her leg. It didn’t hurt and it wasn’t itchy. She thought it might be a spider bite because there was a small chunk of skin out of her leg. Little did she know, it was just the beginning of what would turn into an ongoing battle to maintain her health. “Within six days of that bite, I was starting to feel pretty sick,” she says. She woke up one morning about a week after noticing the bite with pain in her back and sides. “By suppertime it was burning to the point that I called the doctor. There were no appointments until the following week so they put me on the cancellation list,” Crossley says. “I felt like I’d been run over by a truck almost, you know, but couldn’t figure out what was wrong.” The symptoms continued the next day and new ones started emerging. She developed a bad headache, muscle pain, a fever and cough, she had a tingling sensation in her face, was extremely nauseated and could not stop shivering. It was almost like a really bad case of the flu, she remembers. “But it was a little more intense and that was what worried me.” She developed abdominal pain and started vomiting. A few days later, concerned that her symptoms seemed to be getting worse, not better, she went to the emergency room at Delta Hospital. After some blood tests, she says, the doctor told her it appeared that she had hepatitis. “Misdiagnosis number one,” says Wheeler. She says she was sent home and told to drink plenty of fluids and get some rest. When Crossley finally got to see her family doctor, she was referred to a rheumatologist in Vancouver where the doctor and a medical student “went over her with a fine toothed comb” and told she might have lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. “But they couldn’t really nail it,” she says. “They basically said, ‘We don’t know what’s wrong with you.’” By then, the symptoms were starting to subside somewhat. She

PHOTO BY

GORD GOBLE

Elaine Crossley first showed symptoms of Lyme disease in 2009, but wasn’t properly diagnosed until last year. Joined by husband Bill Wheeler, now she’s fighting for better testing and treatment. started to feel better and life went back to normal, for the most part. “Over the next five years, every month I’d have issues with not being able to walk,” she says. “My legs would almost turn to jelly and I’d have a day or two and then it would clear up.” Now 71, Crossley says she wrote most of the symptoms off to old age. “I just thought, ‘Oh well, this is just what happens in your golden years.’” She ignored it until November 2013 when the agonizing pain resurfaced the day after she had her annual flu shot. “I got really worried,” she says. “My bones hurt so much.” After another extensive exam with the rheumatologist, which failed to turn up any conclusive results, she says, it was decided she had psoriatic arthritis. Crossley ended up with five different prescriptions, one of which was a weekly injection of a chemotherapy drug that was supposed to take several weeks to take effect. “I waited and waited and nothing happened, except I started to loose my hair,” she says. “I got mouth sores from it and was sick for two days (after each injection).” The drug is shown to have good results for patients with psoriatic

arthritis, Crossley notes, but she saw no improvement in her symptoms. It was around last March that Crossley began to suspect she might have Lyme disease. The couple was getting ready to head to Florida for the month of April and Crossley started researching testing the disease. “I do know the testing for it is faulty in British Columbia, in Canada really,” she says. “It’s grossly under reported, grossly under treated, in B.C. especially.” With the trip to Florida already planned, she made an appointment with a Lyme clinic there. There, she says, the doctor took blood and questioned her about her symptoms for 90 minutes. After more tests and two weeks of waiting, the couple had the answer to more than five years of pain and sickness. “Sure enough, I had Lyme disease,” Crossley says. “I was almost thoroughly relieved that I had it because I had an answer to all these problems I was having.” However, finally getting a diagnosis wasn’t the end of the couple’s problems. The Canadian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) does not recognize the tests done in the U.S. In Canada, in cases of suspected Lyme disease, patients are

subject to an initial test. If that test is positive, a second different test is done, which can confirm the presence of the disease. The problem, the couple contends, is the first test often results in a false negative and because of that, the second one is never done. David Cubberley, a B.C. board member with CanLyme, the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation, says the current Canadian guidelines “rule out prompt diagnosis of Lyme disease and refuse treatment of chronic Lyme.” Officially, Canada saw 682 cases of Lyme disease in 2013. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada website, the numbers for 2014 are still being validated. However, CanLyme gets between 2,000 and 3,000 inquiries a year, says Cubberley. He says the Public Health Agency of Canada recently testified in the House of Commons that the number of cases of Lyme disease in Canada is expected to rise to around 10,000 by 2020. “Which clearly indicates that we’re under reporting Lyme disease currently because in five years we’re not going to go from (where we are now) to 10,000.” After the couple returned from Florida, Crossley went to see the rheumatologist and told the doctor she had been diagnosed with

Lyme disease. She says the doctor told her she didn’t need to see her any more. The couple found a local Lyme disease support group and through the group was fortunate to find one of the top Lyme-literate naturopathic doctors. Because it is a bacterial disease, Lyme is usually treated with an aggressive round of antibiotics. Last May Crossley was put on a double dose of antibiotics for four months, in addition to herbal antibiotics and probiotics. She started to notice an improvement in her health. “The pain with Lyme, a lot of the pain, comes at night when you lie down and I was only getting an hour-and-a-half sleep every night and then I’d get up and I’d wander around for an hour and the pain would start to subside somewhat,” she says. “I’d go back to bed and get another hour, hour-and-a-half, two hours sleep. “After the antibiotics, I did notice that I actually got six hours one night, which is unheard of for me.” She is now off the antibiotics and using herbal supplements. She says her pain is down by about 40 per cent and she is regularly getting three to four hours of sleep at a time. However, it has come at a cost — the couple has spent about $7,500 over nine months to cover the naturopath, blood work, medication and supplements. “None of my supplements are covered by any medical or extended health plan,” Crossley says. Crossley and Wheeler have decided to take action in the fight to have improved testing and treatment for Lyme disease in B.C. and Canada. “Lyme patients in B.C., and Canada for that matter, are discriminated against, denied, often lied to or test results hidden or misdiagnosed,” Wheeler says. “There’s something going on that mainstream medicine isn’t clicking yet.” They attend two Lyme support groups and have volunteered at Lyme education events, they have written letters to the CDC, Fraser Health and other authorities in B.C., with no response. “It’s very, very political. It’s sort of where AIDS was 30 years ago,” Wheeler says. “Sooner or later the dam’s going to break and it’s going to come out that we’re not acknowledging and diagnosing this properly.”

Could there possibly be light at the end of this dark tunnel? In December, Parliament unanimously passed Bill C442, Green Party MP Elizabeth May’s private member’s bill requiring the minister of health to convene a conference to develop a framework

to address the challenges of the recognition, and timely diagnosis and treatment, of Lyme disease. The conference will include provincial and territorial health ministers as well as representa-

tives from the medical community and patients’ groups. “It’s obviously an incredible thing that it got passed,” said CanLyme’s David Cubberley, adding there was enough aware-

ness among MPs for the bill to pass unanimously. Cubberley said it is a huge step to have patients’ groups involved in the process, however there is still a long road ahead. He said

there is a large divide between the views of patients’ groups and some medical professionals. “This is not going to be an easy conference to have and arrive at a consensus.”

March 11, 2015 The Delta Optimist A7

MID WEEK SPECIALS

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

PARTY sat mar 14

PHOTO BY

GORD GOBLE

David Ehrlich, a survivor of Auschwitz, speaks at the second annual Symposium on the Holocaust Monday at South Delta Secondary in Tsawwassen.

South Delta students hear from Holocaust survivor BY

SANDOR GYARMATI

sgyarmati@delta-optimist.com

featured guest speakers David Ehrlich, a survivor of Auschwitz, who talked about his experiences and how he managed to survive. Another guest speaker was Dr. Jay Eidelman, a writer, editor and educator who has taught about the Holocaust at UBC and is a former historian at the Museum of Jewish Heritage — A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in New York City.

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The Delta school district hosted the second annual Symposium on the Holocaust Monday at South Delta Secondary’s Equinox Theatre. The event, which was broadcast livestream with several other participating schools, including Delta Secondary, was in conjunction with the Vancouver

Holocaust Education Centre. The centre’s goal is to help eradicate racism and social injustice by promoting human rights and genocide awareness through education and remembrance of the Holocaust. The centre, founded by survivors of the Holocaust, reaches more than 25,000 students annually with exhibits, interactive school programs and speakers. The symposium at SDSS

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A8 The Delta Optimist March 11, 2015 Opinion Page Published every Wednesday & Friday by the Delta Optimist, a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership #207 - 4840 Delta Street, Delta, BC V4K 2T6 Phone 604-946-4451 Fax 604-946-5680 www.delta-optimist.com Publisher: Alvin Brouwer abrouwer@ glaciermedia.ca

Making it another’s problem

General Manager: Dave Hamilton dhamilton@ delta-optimist.com Distribution: 604-942-3081 distribution@delta-optimist. com Classified: 604-630-3300 Fax: 604-630-4500 classifieds@van.net Editor: Ted Murphy editor@ delta-optimist.com Sports: Mark Booth mbooth@ delta-optimist.com Reporters: Sandor Gyarmati sgyarmati@ delta-optimist.com Dave Willis dwillis@ delta-optimist.com Jessica Kerr jkerr@ delta-optimist.com Photographer: Gord Goble ggoble@ delta-optimist.com Sales Representatives: John Gallinger jgallinger@ delta-optimist.com Ruth VanBruksvoort rbruks@ delta-optimist.com Jenelle Julien jjulien@ delta-optimist.com Features Manager: Bob Ferguson bferguson@ delta-optimist.com Sales Support: Linda Calendino lcalendino@ delta-optimist.com Canadian Publications Agreement #212490

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2012

Wednesday’s circulation is 16,493 Friday’s circulation is 16,943 This paper is made of 40% recycled newsprint and printed using vegetable inks

The Delta Optimist is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and complainant. If talking with the editor or publisher of this newspaper does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby Street, Nanaimo, B.C., V9R 2R2. For further information, go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

TED MURPHY

MURPHY’S LAW Take it from those in our provincial capital, it’s a heck of a lot safer to be at arm’s length when it starts hitting the fan. Much of the public spending in this province — health, education, etc. — is controlled by the Liberal government, but is ultimately carried out by other jurisdictions. Victoria provides an allotment and these other entities — health regions, school boards — determine how that money is spent and how services are delivered. That means when things go south, and they have a habit of doing so, the government is often a safe distance away. Surrey MLA Sue Hammell, the NDP’s deputy health critic, told the Friends of Delta Hospital public forum last month that Fraser Health receives the lowest per capita funding in B.C. even though it’s the fastest growing region in the province. This obviously puts pressures on FHA decision makers and leads to some untenable situations, yet when the community complains about the lack of surgical services at Delta Hospital, that anger is directed at Fraser Health. Provincial Health Minister Terry Lake is ultimately responsible, but he’s insulated enough that he’s not in the line of fire, or at least he’s not the primary target. A similar situation could well unfold here this spring as the Delta school board has been given a directive by Victoria to cut administrative costs. After a decade of cutbacks, the Delta district already runs a pretty lean operation when it comes to administration, so you’ve got to question where these savings will come from and how they will impact the system. What you won’t have to wonder about is who will take the flak. Local trustees will be in the crosshairs while Education Minister Peter Fassbender watches from afar. The governing Liberals would like us to believe that adequate funding is always provided and it’s a case of the bureaucracy not sufficiently stretching our tax dollars. I don’t doubt there are efficiencies to be had in any organization, but if Victoria can truly do more with less, then it should have its fingerprints on absolutely everything, and not delegate that authority. I suspect it doesn’t want to do that because it realizes that’s simply not the case. Victoria must recognize that when it signs a contract, but then doesn’t fully fund the provisions within that agreement, something is going to have to give at the other end. But if you run away from the situation fast enough, you’re able to make it someone else’s problem.

Transit plan going wrong way as decision time draws near TOM SIBA

COMMUNITY COMMENT The ballots should start arriving in the mail for the transit referendum next week. Hopefully the person in charge of the referendum is more capable than the person in charge of the Compass program. There doesn’t seem to be any progress on that front, nor any indication why TransLink is unable to complete the project. Getting it finished is not even on the Mayors’ Council plan for the $250 million extra they wish to extract from our wallets over the next decade via a half per cent increase in sales tax in Metro Vancouver. I don’t use public transportation very often, but it is very useful for specific trips. If I have meetings in the downtown core, I usually park at River Rock and take the Canada Line the rest of the way. Exorbitant parking fees are avoided and you know exactly when you will get to your appointment with no traffic

hassles. I have never had any problems with TransLink other than the failure of the Compass program. I was in New York last week. They had turnstiles that work just fine. Turnstiles are in effect at major cities across the globe. Why did TransLink have to attempt to re-invent the wheel? Those idle Compass machines in the SkyTrain stations are a constant reminder of perceived incompetence of TransLink management. The first “Vote Yes” ad appeared in last week’s edition of the Optimist. It offered pretty thin gruel to local residents. As Ted Murphy joked in an editorial last week, the improvements for South Delta are of the “bus drivers will smile more” variety. But we have to remember that we are on track for a bridge to replace the George Massey Tunnel. It appears to be going ahead regardless of the fate of the Mayors’ Council plan. I suppose that is because Port Metro Vancouver really wants the tunnel removed to allow larger freighters to make it up river. I assume this bridge will be heavily tolled and therefore financing will not be contingent upon the sales tax increase.

The Optimist encourages readers to write letters to the editor. Letters are accepted on any topic, although preference is given to those on local matters. The Optimist reserves the right to edit letters and the decision to publish is at the discretion of the editor or publisher. All letters must be signed, dated and include the writer’s phone number

I agree with ML Burke who wrote in this space a week ago that the new bridge must have space for an extension of SkyTrain to eventually go to the ferry terminal after stops in Ladner, Tsawwassen and the new Tsawwassen First Nation’s malls. (However, I can’t see a vehicle crossing through the Gulf Islands.) The real winner of the referendum, whether the result is “yes” or “no,” has got to be Jordan Bateman, the B.C. director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. He was out there on his own trying to turn the tide as a vocal advocate for the “no” side. Through dogged determination, he managed to turn that tide and throw the “yes” side into a blind panic. TransLink terminated its CEO. When that didn’t stop the hemorrhaging of voters to the “no” side (according to the polls), the “yes” side appointed Jim Pattison to oversee the funds in the increasingly unlikely event the referendum should pass. This would be the point where the entire TransLink board of directors resigns. Yep, Bateman has been the winner in this battle regardless of the final vote. However, he hasn’t yet convinced me to vote “no.”

(not for publication). The Optimist will not print “name withheld” letters. Copyright in letters and other materials submitted voluntarily to the publisher and accepted for publication remains with the author, but the publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms.

March 11, 2015 The Delta Optimist A9

Spring Break

Letters to the Editor

Put mental health above 24/7 surgical program

Editor: Re: Different view of hospital, Murphy’s Law, March 4 The commitment to the Delta Hospital from this community is admirable. Your recent editorial about the hospital being part of a larger system and network raises a good point. The question becomes: How do we determine the health care needs of our community? And then who allocates resources to attend to those needs? There has been much in the news recently about the increasing demands for care and support of persons dealing with mental illness. Police forces all over the Lower Mainland have identified that as being responsible for an increase in the number of calls and the requirement for their officers to have further training.

As a church pastor and someone involved in our local community, I know the reality of persons and families struggling with mental health issues and also the pressure on the existing resources to provide help and support. It takes some time to get counselling. Specialized services are not always available. Delta Hospital is a prime example. The ER is not equipped to deal with persons arriving with mental health issues. Having personnel resources at our hospital as well as space for people in crisis to stay in their community and receive support for family and friends is, I believe, more important than 24/7 surgical services. If I had to choose, I’d rather go to another hospital for surgery than go to a hospital out of my community for the treatment of a

mental health issue. With further development in South Delta, which is coming along with malls and a new bridge, I can’t help but believe the demand for mental health support will only increase. As the baby boomers (like me) age, not only will we need more support both in home care but also in residential care so that we can also stay connected to our communities. Often mental health issues are underdiagnosed in seniors and confused with issues of aging. It’s good to support our hospital and thanks to those who fought to keep it and who support it in various ways. The conversation, though, needs to be larger and move beyond 24/7 surgical care. Major the Rev. Jim Short Ladner United Church

Fighting for share of health care dollars Editor: What does Friends of Delta Hospital want for our hospital? • A fair funding formula for community hospitals. • An acute surgical program appropriate to community hospitals. • A stop to the excessive cutback to Delta Hospital. Your help is needed. What can our community do to achieve these goals?

Are you able to help gather signatures for our petition? Are you able to man a table in Tsawwassen or Ladner shopping areas? Our community is again having to raise money to fight for our fair share of our health care dollars. The shopping areas will have petitions to sign and Friends of Delta Hospital memberships available this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They

will be able to take donations too. And if you are able to volunteer, you can leave your name. You can also go to www. friendsofdeltahospital.ca where you may comment, donate or become a member using credit card or PayPal. Become involved, become a Friend of Delta Hospital. Naomi Miller

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IMPORTANT REMINDER

2015 DELTA FLAT RATE UTILITY BILL DUE MARCH 31, 2015

2015 Utility Bills have been mailed. All property owners are responsible for payment of utilities, regardless of whether or not a utility bill is received. Utility bill payment must be received by March 31, 2015 to avoid penalty. Check with your financial institution about the dating of your payment, as transactions made on March 31 may be dated the following business day. A 5% penalty will be applied to outstanding balances after March 31, 2015. A further 5% penalty will be applied to outstanding balances after July 2, 2015 and September 2, 2015. This reminder does not apply to the quarterly metered utility bill. For more information regarding the 2015 Utility Bill, please contact the Taxation Office at 604-946-3235 or taxation@delta.ca.

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Letters to the Editor

Metro Vancouver is at a crossroads

Editor: In light of the pending referendum on transit funding improvements, a recent poll taken in Metro Vancouver found that 93 per cent of people surveyed

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thought the region’s population was either large enough or too large. Whether or not “Vancouver is full” remains to be seen. However, we should give careful thought to the inherent fallacy of using an influx of a million newcomers expected by 2040 as a valid argument for needed transit upgrades. Inasmuch as such massive population growth is expected to come almost entirely from current high levels of federally-controlled immigration intakes, it is time to reframe the debate on sustainable immi-

gration policies away from predominantly quantitative arguments to its qualitative implications of economic, environmental, social, cultural and overall demographic concerns. Proponents of maintaining or even raising our annual immigration intake, in the name of achieving the elusive goal of so-called “critical mass,” cite such population expansion to be indispensable to urban growth when in reality urban growth is becoming a victim of a self-defeating cycle of increasingly exorbitant and economically

unsustainable infrastructure demands. Above all else, the forthcoming referendum vote on additional funding for transit infrastructure improvements will be a vote affecting the quality of life of Vancouver’s citizens, present and future. Vancouverites should bear that in mind and make their vote an expression of what they want an economically and demographically sustainable federal immigration policy to accomplish for their city and wider region. E.W. Bopp

Not willing to pay any more tax until they clean up the mismanagement

Editor: I read with interest the letter the Corporation of Delta sent to all residents concerning the upcoming referendum. I tried to read it through with an open mind; however, I am more determined than ever to vote against a 0.5 per cent increase to the provincial sales tax. Firstly, as soon as I read “possible improvements”

and “may benefit” in the last sentence of the second paragraph, I understood completely what a sales pitch really is. There is no guarantee to the residents of Delta that voting “yes” to a tax increase will result in any of the listed improvements, plain and simple. It’s a shame the mayor and council think the good people of Delta are so

gullible as to believe that TransLink has any intention to improve public transportation to Tsawwassen and Ladner. It’s not a good idea to throw good money after bad as far as I’m concerned. I’ll be damned if I’ll pay any additional taxes until they actually clean up the mismanagement of the systems that are already in place. J. McDonald

No incentive to pay for upgrades elsewhere Editor: The transit tax will not do much for us here in Ladner and there is no incentive to vote “yes” to pay for improvements in other cities such as Surrey. Why don’t they fix what they have first? Once again the most vulnerable (seniors and those with disabilities) are affected by the loss of

the 404 bus from Ladner to Richmond. In is unbelievable that TransLink expects seniors and those with disabilities to board the 601 to the River Rock, then backtrack to Richmond or get off at Steveston Highway, cross the busy road and walk to the stop for the 403, which comes, I believe, every 20

minutes. What is wrong with this picture? I know for a fact the seniors’ residence on Arthur Drive has written to ask TransLink for a shelter for the stop in front of the residence with no success. Will the tax at least make some of these needed upgrades? I think not. C. Plante

Trying to buy our votes with our own money Editor: Regardless of how one might vote in the upcoming transit referendum, there is one aspect that needs investigation: How can taxpayer funds be legally used to support the “yes” side?

In addition to the multimedia blitz on TV, radio and various websites, the so-called mayors’ council is paying people with taxpayer funds to canvas at universities and other public locations. I personally verified

this by asking one of them if they are getting paid and the answer was “yes.” Fortunately, Delta council has avoided spending any taxpayer funds in this odd way, and I thank it for that. Keith Munro

Referendum has everything to do with TransLink Registered under the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals

Editor: To all those folks who claim the proposed tax is about transit and not about

TransLink, I offer this comparison: If your toilet is leaking and damaging your bath-

room floor, would you not fix the toilet before replacing the floor? Bob Tate

March 11, 2015 The Delta Optimist A11 Letters to the Editor

Medical health officer encourages public to vote ‘yes’

Editor: As a public health physician, I specialize in the health of communities. A big part of my job is working with the municipality and diverse groups in the community to advance public programs, policies and investments that reduce risk of disease and injury — and, ultimately, save lives. I’m writing today to urge Delta residents to vote “yes” in the transportation referendum. This month, you will receive a ballot in the mail asking if you support a 0.5 per cent increase

in the provincial sales tax in order to fund billions in transportation improvements. Bottlenecks and long commutes are all too common for Delta. But if the “yes” vote wins, Delta residents will get to jobs and services faster thanks to buses every eight minutes from South Delta and Ladner to the Canada Line during rush hour, a relocated and expanded South Delta Exchange and Park & Ride, new rapid bus stations to coordinate with the George Massey Tunnel

replacement offering transfers to Ladner, Tsawwassen, Richmond, Surrey and Tilbury Industrial Park and more buses to meet B.C. Ferries sailings. These improvements will enable thousands of people — fellow neighbours, working families, seniors, employees and other community members like you and me — to have practical choices in how to get around. It will allow us to integrate exercise into our busy

lives, shrink our commutes, spend less time in gridlock, and gain quicker access to the services, jobs, recreation opportunities, friends and family that keep us all healthy. Even if you never take transit, you’ll still benefit: better air quality, reduced risk of traffic injuries for all road users, including those who walk, cycle, take transit or drive, less congestion and a healthier, more connected community. In Fraser Health’s 2014

Healthy Aging report, only seven per cent of trips taken by seniors were by walking and only six per cent by public transportation. Many seniors fear losing their driver’s licence as they get older and tend to drive less. Improved active and public transit options ensure seniors can maintain their social connections and access needed services to keep them healthy. This is not a vote about TransLink, but a “no” vote will delay critically needed

transportation improvements. I will be voting “yes” as someone who walks, cycles, takes transit and drives. I will be voting “yes” as a physician who wants a healthier community. This month, you can make history with critical investments in healthier transportation choices. This is an opportunity we can’t afford to miss. Dr. Michelle Murti Medical Health Officer for Delta

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A14 The Delta Optimist March 11, 2015

Exercising through those emotional times

KRISTA POPOWYCH

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March 11, 2015 The Delta Optimist A15

Mother Nature provides a lengthy to-do list With the lawn looking a bit like a hay field and the driveway covered with slime, spring chores start early BARBARA GUNN

LIVING MATTERS Looking outside these past few weeks, it’s been hard not to see the magic. Crocuses up. Daffodils budding. Blossoms out. The birds are back, the bees are out and spring has now returned. It’s hard, however, not to see the other stuff. The stuff that’s less like magic and more like work. The gutters need emptying. The windows need washing. The deck needs a new coat of stain. “The grass needs cutting,” I said to the husband.

“It’s a mile high.” And that was three weeks ago. Hard to say whether it’s always a mile high at this time of year, but one thing’s for sure: it’s looking a bit like a hay field. “OK,” said the husband. “I’ll take the mower in for servicing. I’ll get the trimmer set to go. I’ll see about renting a power washer.” Such is the early spring routine. I’ll spend 10 minutes oohing and aahing over my blooming pink camellias, and 10 hours raking and bagging all the detritus that Mother Nature threw in our yard over the winter. “The sidewalks are covered with moss,” I observed last week. “The driveway’s covered with slime. And the flowerbeds are covered with leaves.”

DELTASSIST FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES

Such is the fun Mother Nature has. For whatever reason, she spends most of the winter covering things up with other things. Come spring, it’s our job to uncover those things, since Mother Nature is up to her neck with other jobs right now. You know, like turning yards into hay fields. Not that I’m complaining. This window-washing and deck-staining and eave-emptying time of year may be a tad labour-inten-

the blue. One sive, but it day, I’m weardoes signal Not that I’m ing a jacket spring. complaining. This and carrying And that window-washing and an umbrella. means it The next, I’m will be no deck-staining and in a Ttime at all eave-emptying time outside shirt surveying before I’m relaxing on of year may be a tad the property that deck labour-intensive, but and finding myself being and sunit does signal spring. stared at by a ning on the bunch of birds lawn and wondering why I haven’t digging in the flowerbeds. removed the sludge from It’s just that, well, this their birdbath. tends to come right out of

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I’ll get to it, I tell them. Just as soon as I cut the grass, sweep the porch and fill up 10 more refuse bags. No, I’m not complaining, especially not this year, when Mother Nature has been particularly busy covering up the rest of the country. And no, not with twigs or moss or sludge, but with tons of ice and snow. I feel for them, my Eastern friends. And I’m happy to pick up the rake.

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FINDS Children’s Thrift Store Fun and friendly volunteers are needed for a children’s thrift store in downtown Ladner. Reach Child and Youth Development Society is a non-profit organization that helps children with special needs. We are looking for more people to work in our thrift store FINDS. The store is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Interested volunteers please contact volunteer@reachchild.org or 604-946-6622. KinVillage Community Centre Boutique Helper KinVillage Recreation Centre is looking for people to volunteer in the Boutique store to help with sales and/or sorting. Do you have a passion for fashion? Sales, display and cash register experience would be an asset. Training is provided. For more detailed information contact John Lusted at 604-943-7625 ext. 1 or email jlusted@kinvillge.org KinVillage Community Centre Community Centre Back-up Bartender KinVillage Community Centre is looking for a casual back-up Bartender for Friday nights from 8 – 9:30 pm. A Service It Right Certificate is required and training will be provided. For further information contact John Lusted at 604-943-7625 ext. 1 or email jlusted@kinvillge.org For more volunteer opportunities visit Deltassist’s website at www.deltassist.com and click on Volunteering then Volweb.

Join our growing network!

facebook.com/Delta-Optimist

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A16 The Delta Optimist March 11, 2015 In the Community

There’s plenty to keep kids entertained From mall drop-in programs to museum mysteries, Spring Break activities abound in Ladner and Tsawwassen BY

NICOLE SINCLAIR

Optimist contributor

Spring Break is fast approaching! If you are sticking around this year, here are some of the many activities being offered to keep the kids entertained: • Earthwise Society will be facilitating Junior Master Gardeners Get Wet, a day camp running from Tuesday, March 24 to Friday, March 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. Kids will learn about the importance of rain and water through hands-on indoor and outdoor activities. The cost is $25 per day or $80 for four days. There will also be a family friendly Rain Day on Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will be a community celebration of rain. • Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall will be hosting free drop-in children’s activities each day at 1 p.m. from March 16 to 20 and March 23 to 27. Activities include presentations by OWL and Mike’s Critters,

The Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall will offer free drop-in activities every weekday afternoon throughout Spring Break. a taekwondo demonstration and mini-class, and St. Patrick’s Day crafts. The activities are for school-aged kids with adult supervision. Check out the Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall website at www.tsaw-

wassentowncentremall.com for a complete schedule. • Head to the pool for themed swims from March 16 to 20 and March 23 to 27. Both Ladner Leisure Centre and Winskill Aquatic Centre will be running

activities from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. each day. • Is there a future Sherlock Holmes in your household? Check out Delta Museum from Tuesday, March 17 to Friday, March 27 for a self-guided mys-

FILE PHOTO

tery-solving activity. The drop-in program is suggested for children ages seven to 12, but younger children are welcome with assistance of an additional adult. Participants can dropin from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The cost is $5 per mystery solving kit. • The Wintemute Boys and Girls Club in Ladner will be hosting day camps from Monday to Friday during both weeks of Spring Break. The camps are $30 per day. For more information, call 604-946-2027. • The South Delta Recreation Centre is offering many full-day and halfday camps as well as some drop-in activities during Spring Break. A complete list of offerings can be found in the Spring Break 2015 Guide or the Spring 2015 Leisure Guide. • A soccer camp for boys and girls born from 2003 to 2011 will be offered Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20 at the Dugald Morrison turf field in Ladner. Camp will run from 9 to 11:30 a.m. daily. Cost is $110 per player, which includes a camp Tshirt and a pizza lunch on the final day. Email Russ Heggie at russheggie@ gmail.com for more information.

Tour de Delta is seeking Directors! Tour de Delta is an international cycling event with fun and entertainment for the entire family. This year’s event takes place July 10-12, 2015. To learn more visit: www.tourdedelta.com

Board of Directors The Tour de Delta Board is seeking Directors for the following positions: • • • • •

Technical Race Working Committee Chairperson Community Engagement Working Committee Chairperson Host Housing North Delta Festival South Delta Festival

Please note: • These are volunteer positions appointed by Delta Council • The Tour de Delta Board meets on the first Wednesday of the month • Appointment is for a one year term. If you are interested in being appointed to any of these positions, please submit a brief resume and covering letter indicating your interest, why you would like to serve on the Board, and any relevant knowledge and experience you may have. Submissions received will only be used for the purpose of selecting these positions, and are protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Please forward your submission by Monday, March 16, 2015 to: Delta Municipal Hall Attn: Danielle Hume - Parks, Recreation & Culture 4500 Clarence Taylor Crescent Delta, BC V4K 3E2 Fax: 604.946.4693 Email: dhume@delta.ca For additional information, please contact Danielle Hume, Superintendent of Sport Development and Community Events, at 604.946.3304.

AS PART OF THIS YEAR’S EARTH DAY EVENTS DELTA RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR 7TH ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST!

How the contest works: a photograph of a natural space, landscape, wildlife or 1. Take something green in Delta. Be creative, impress us with your eye for mother nature!

your photograph by Monday, April 6, 2015 2. Submit via email to cae@delta.ca, with the email subject: EARTH DAY PHOTO CONTEST

submission category: Adult (18+), Teen (12-17), 3. Indicate Youth (5-11), Delta staff

*Only one original, unaltered photograph per person can be submitted TOP PRIZE? A WATERPROOF DIGITAL CAMERA!! All contest photos will be posted on Delta’s Facebook.com/CorpofDelta page and on display at Municipal Hall throughout the month of April.

DELTA.CA/EARTHDAY

March 11, 2015 The Delta Optimist A17 Coming Events Clubs & Groups !Fun and friendly volunteers are needed for a children’s thrift store in downtown Ladner. Reach Child and Youth Development Society is a non-profit organization that helps children with special needs. We are looking for more people to work in our thrift store FINDS. The store is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Interested volunteers please contact: volunteer@reachchild.org or 604-946-6622 ext 328. !Canadian Mental Health Association Delta offers a Family Support Group for individuals supporting someone with a mental illness. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 7-9 p.m. The next meeting is on March 11. Please Note: For the Month of March Only, the group will be Meeting at CMHA Delta 4871 Delta Street, Ladner. Please call CMHA Delta at 604-943-1878 to be registered for your first meeting. !Delta Nats Casual Birding Walk, a Birds on the Bay event, is set for Wednesday, March 11, Boundary Bay Regional Park, 9 am - noon. Join Tom Bearss and his informal birdwatchers for a 2.5-hour amble. Enjoy the abundance of resident and wintering inhabitants, including shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, and smaller birds. Bring binoculars if you have them. The outing will end with beverage and snack at historic Cammidge House. Meet: Cammidge House in Boundary Bay Regional Park, Delta. Info: 604-940-9296 or tom. bearss@dccnet.com. Hosts: Delta Nature: No charge for events; voluntary donation for snacks.

!Join the Delta Museum and Archives Society before March 13 to experience its latest exhibit “Curating The Museum.” Drop in March 12 for a special self-guided activity on models from 1:15 to 3pm; March 11 features a navigation workshop (storing sextants) from 1:15 to 2:15pm. !Friends of Delta Hospital - Saturday March 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., petition signing and memberships, at Petra’s, Superior Fish Market, and in south side mall off Ladner Trunk. Support our local hospital in the quest for availability of emergency surgeries round-the-clock. !Parsley, Sage & Thyme, 4916 Elliott St., has a wellness clinic Saturday, March 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A natural health products advisor from Omega Alpha will be in-house to discuss any questions that you might have about your liver, lung and kidney health, plus pet issues ranging from digestion and parasites to anxiety and mobility. !Tsawwassen Parkinson’s support group’s next meeting is Monday, March 16. We are a group whose members either have Parkinson’s or are caregivers to someone with PDS. We meet once a month at KinVillage from 11 am to 12:30 p.m. to talk, exchange ideas and socialize. For more information call Peter or Eileen at 604943-8350. !The Low Vision Support group meets Monday, March 16 at Ladner Pioneer Library 1:30-2:30 pm. Quentin Methot will speak about emergency preparedness.

!South Delta Evergreen Garden Club meets the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm at Kin House, 5050-47th Ave, Ladner. March 17, Paul Buikema will be speaking on pruning: reap what you sow. Visitors and new members always welcome. Info 604940-0937. !Rotary Club of Ladner, Tuesday, March 17, noon at the Delta Town & Country Inn. Guest speaker - Lindsay Eldridge Nurse Next Door Home Care Services. www. RotaryLadner.org. All welcome. !The Probus Club of South Delta, a non-profit, fellowship club for retired and semi-retired professional and business people will hold its Monthly Meeting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18. This meeting will be held in the Benediction Lutheran Church, corner of 56th Street and 6th Avenue, Tsawwassen. Our guest speaker is Bill Sexsmith, Director, Probus Canada. All members are urged to attend. Guests are welcome. Please call Dick Williams at 604-940-6542 for info. !The South Delta Newcomers & Alumni meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 7:15 pm at the Art Gallery, Kiwanis Longhouse, located at 1710-56th St., Tsawwassen. The club is for women who have moved to South Delta and Point Roberts, to introduce you to the community and help you make new friends. Join us on Thursday, March 19. Contact Holly at holly. hastie@uregina.ca or by phone at 604-943-6447. !Spring Break Performer Magician Matthew Johnson,

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Sign the petition for better health care Saturday, March 14th 10-2 Ladner Shopping Centers and the Tsawwassen Thrifty Foods.

Everyone Welcome

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Tsawwassen Library, Friday, March 20, 11 11:45 am. Join us as awardwinning magician Matthew Johnson weaves his hilarious spell over the library! Matthew’s show is a highly entertaining and interactive blend of magic, juggling, comedy and music. He’ll be at the Ladner Pioneer Library Friday, March 20, 2 - 2:45 pm. !Tsawwassen Lawn Bowling Club. NW corner of Winskill Park. Open house, Saturday, April 11 from noon to 2 p.m. Club members will greet you and introduce you to the game of lawn bowling. !On Saturday, April 11, avoid identity theft by shredding your confidential documents at the Ladner United Church Shredathon. Urban Impact’s secure shred truck will be there from 9noon. All shredding is by donation. Ladner United Church is located at 496048th Ave, Ladner Village. !Garage sales will be held bi-weekly starting Sunday, April 12 at IOOF Hall, 5425 Ladner Trunk Rd., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For table rentals contact Leroy at 604-219-2703. !Weedy Wednesdays at Earthwise Garden & Farm. A volunteer drop-in day from 10am - 3 pm. Pitch in on the farm or in the garden. Opportunities for all ages, abilities and interests. Stay for an hour or stay all day, and bring your lunch or snack for a social break at noon. New volunteers always welcome. 604-9469828 for more info Seniors !St. Patrick’s Day celebration at McKee Seniors Recreation Centre. Enjoy great Irish fare.

Entertainment: Ray Fines. Friday, March 13, 12-2pm. $9 members; $11 guests. Menu choices: cabbage & corned beef, Irish stew. !Come join the Philosophers’ Café discussion this Friday, March 13, 1:30-3 pm at the McKee Seniors Centre, 5155-47th Ave., Ladner, where Michael Barkusky of the Pacific Institute of Ecological Economics will help us explore one of the pressing issues of our time - Is Growth Necessary for a Vibrant Economy? Call 604-946-1411 for further information. !Shari’s Saturday Social will be held on Saturday, March 14. Dance the night away to a non-stop variety of great CD music. Tickets will be available at the door. Cash or cheque only please. $10 for members, $12 for non-members includes mid-evening coffee, tea, and assorted goodies. KinVillage Community Centre, 5430-10th Ave., Tsawwassen. If you wish to reserve a table, please call Shari at 604-943-8755 by March 12. !KinVillage Community Centre is having a Springtime High Tea from 3-4:30 on Friday, March 20 with piano player Doug Ross. Tickets $8 for members, $10 for non-members. Don your favorite hat and join us at 5430-10th Ave., Tsawwassen. Call for tickets 604-943-0225 Visa, MasterCard or drop in to purchase by March 18. !KinVillage Travel, open 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday at KinVillage Community Centre and McKee, presents Coquitlam casino trips on April 27, Aug. 24 and Oct. 5 for $7. Call 604-943-

0225. Fund Raisers !IODE Boundary Bay Chapter fundraiser, Bridge and Afternoon Tea Wednesday, April 22, 1 - 4 pm at All Saints Anglican Church, 4755 Arthur Dr., Ladner. $15 per person. Tea/Coffee and snacks will be provided and prizes awarded. Tickets will not be available at the door, so arrange your table of players quickly as this event sells out quickly. Call Frances at 604-943-1119 for tickets. Arts !The Delta Concert Band will be performing numbers highlighting the music for their upcoming tour in Europe. Saturday, March 28, 2:30 to 3:30 at the KinVillage Community Centre, 5430-10th Ave., Tsawwassen. Admission is by donation. !The Delta Photo Club meets Wednesdays 7 9:30 pm at the KinVillage Recreation Centre, Tsawwassen. Photographers of all skill levels are welcome. The DPC exhibition “Exposed” runs until March 30 at the Firehall Centre of the Arts, 11489-84th Ave, Delta. www.deltaphotoclub. com. The Coming Events column is published every Wednesday as a community service. If you have a nonprofit event, mail, drop off, fax, or e-mail (events@ delta-optimist.com) the details to the Optimist by 3 p.m. Monday. Submissions are subject to space limitations (no phone calls, please).

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Delta Sports A18 The Delta Optimist March 11, 2015

Sports Editor: Mark Booth

Phone: 604-946-4451

Email: mbooth@delta-optimist.com

PHOTO BY

Tsawwassen’s Darrell Ross is involved with his hometown high school’s football team and also volunteers with Football B.C. programs.

GORD GOBLE

True unsung hero to get his due

South Delta Sun Devils football team trainer Darrell Ross will receive Sport B.C.’s President’s Award tonight MARK BOOTH

mbooth@delta-optimist.com

Another honour is coming tonight for the provincial champion South Delta Sun Devils football team and this time it’s for one of the program’s true unsung heroes. Longtime trainer Darrell Ross is among 44 recipients of Sport B.C.’s President’s Award – presented to those who represent the spirit of volunteerism and whose dedication, energy and commitment contribute to the development of their sport or organization in the province. Ross is being recognized at Sport B.C.’s 49th annual awards banquet at the Fairmont Hotel in

Vancouver. Sun Devils’ head coach Ray Moon doesn’t have to be reminded what this Tsawwassen resident has meant to his team and players. “This is a guy who, over about 10 years, shows up for just about every game and practice,” said Moon. “The rare time he can’t make it, Darrell always makes sure there is someone there for him. “When it comes determining if kids can play or not, we have a lot of trust and faith in him because he has proven himself over the years. The neat thing, too, is he is also a lunch hour supervisor at the school so the kids have someone to talk to from the program

Tides at Tsawwassen Pacific Standard Time. Height in feet

that isn’t a coach.” Ross obtained his first aid certification when he was 19 and was initially involved at the midget level of Coquitlam Minor Football where he was part of a team that avenged an earlier loss to win the championship – similar to what the 2014 Sun Devils pulled off against Mount Douglas. The opportunity with South Delta allowed him to be involved in his hometown and be part of an environment he enjoys – watching kids become not only better football players but better people too. “I really do like the atmosphere,” said Ross. “In today’s society, it’s almost unpolitically correct to

teach kids to be competitive yet in so many ways that’s not what life is about.” Ross also takes great satisfaction watching players persevere through tremendous adversity – perhaps none more so than current Grade 12 standout Thomas Franklin. It was during last year’s quarter-final playoff game when Franklin suffered a serious leg injury. “It was a break close to his joint which takes longer to heal,” recalled Ross. Weeks later, Franklin unexpectedly lost his father Randy, a popular longtime volunteer in the South Delta football community. The Sun Devils dedicated the 2014 season to Randy Franklin and a fully recov-

ered Thomas made his dad proud with an outstanding campaign that has earned him the opportunity to continue his career at UBC this fall. Ross had to put himself on the injury list back in 2011 with something far more severe than a broken bone. He was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. “I was having some issues but feeling OK until one day in late June I was working out in the gym and there was blood dripping down my leg.” Ross underwent 30 radiation treatments over six weeks and eventually surgery later that fall. Yet that didn’t stop him from continuing his support

for Sun Devils football. He has since made a full recovery and now also volunteers for Football B.C. programs, including the annual Senior Bowl Camp and provincial teams. Ross is also continually updating his medical expertise, including being up to speed B.C. High School’s new concussion baseline technology. He doesn’t hesitate to call B.C. Lions longtime head trainer Bill Reichelt if he needs advice. “You can easily take him for granted but I consider him a part of our coaching staff,” added Moon. “We all appreciate what he has done for our program and the kids have a lot of respect for him too.”

THURSDAY, MARCH 12

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

MONDAY, MARCH 16

4:11 am 4:59 pm

1:49 am 12.5 11:17 am 12.1

3:45 am 13.1 1:57 pm 11.8

9.8 4.9

9:37 am 12.8

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 12:32 am 12.1 5:16 am 10.5 10:19 am 12.5 5:56 pm 4.6

6:46 am 10.8 7:00 pm 4.6

SUNDAY, MARCH 15 2:54 am 12.8 8:17 am 10.5 12:34 pm 11.8 8:06 pm 4.3

9:23 am 9.8 9:08 pm 4.3

These predictions are supplements to and not replacements for the Canadian Tide and Current Tables, which include the only authorized tidal predictions for Canada and are provided by Canadian Hydrographic Service.

01068030

March 11, 2015 The Delta Optimist A19

Tanaka taking aim at B.C. title in Kelowna

Coming off a near miss at the B.C. Junior Men’s Curling Championships, Cody Tanaka is taking aim at another provincial title. The South Delta Secondary graduate will be skipping a rink at the 2015 AMJ Campbell B.C. Mixed Championships, which are slated for March 19 to 22 in Kelowna. Tanaka finished second at the B.C. junior men’s tournament back in December. His rink this time also includes third Katie Sim, second Brian Cole and lead Chantel Kosmynka. The foursome

secured a spot in the eightteam event at the recent Lower Mainland Qualifier where they captured the “C” Event. Their competition will include Dean Joanisse, who was runner-up at the 2015 Canadian Direct Insurance B.C. Men’s Championship, along with B.C. Scotties silver medalist and two-time B.C. Mixed champion Sarah Wark. The winners of the event will go on to represent B.C. at the Canadian Championship later this year.

Rams readying for flag football as interest in program growing Orientation session to be held tomorrow at Dennison Park in Tsawwassen The South Delta Rams don’t begin their 2015 flag season until the end of April, but interest in the game is already surpassing last year’s enrollment. “It’s a great introductory game for kids,” says club coordinator Brent Calvert, “as it requires only five players per side, is played on a much smaller field, leading to all players getting involved with running, throwing and catching the

weekends, ball.” “It’s incredibly fast featuring The game five backwas origiand fun, and builds to-back nally brought great transferable 25-minute into Canada athletic skills in the games. through NFL “It’s sponsorkids.” ship, but Brent Calvert incredibly fast and now is operfun, and ated by the builds great transferable B.C. Community Football athletic skills in the kids,” Association. says Calvert. The season is only five The Rams will be fieldweeks long, and played ing multiple teams across in a jamboree format on

U10 through U16 levels, and are encouraged by the growing number of girls signing up to play. The Rams are holding an orientation session to the game for interested players and parents. It is scheduled for Thursday, March 12 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Dennison Park in Tsawwassen. For more information, visit www.sdramsfootball. com.

SDSS rugby team on UK tour

Two years of planning was realized last week when the South Delta Sun Devils rugby team left for a tour of England and Wales. A total of 26 players are taking part in the amazing opportunity to learn about a new culture, make new friends and learn more about rugby from its birthplace. During this time, they will also receive the chance to experience a professional rugby game between Wales and Ireland at Millennium

Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. The boys opened play on the weekend against Vyners School, which has visited SDSS twice in the past five years. The players and tour organizers thank the South Delta community for its support over the past two years. The outpouring of generosity during various fundraising endeavours, including bottle drives, tree chipping and Spin the Wheel at Save-On-Foods, has been incredible.

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A24 The Delta Optimist March 11, 2015

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