Delta Optimist January 3 2018

LIGHT UP LADNER: Business group continues to brighten village, 3 WILD IN RICHMOND: Delta Hockey Academy team wins title, 12

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018

The voice of Delta since 1922

Biggest jump for condos & townhouses

Viking takes on Polar Bear!

Assessment notices arrive this week IAN JACQUES

i j a c q u e s @ d e l t a - o p t i m i s t .co m

PHOTO BY ADRIAN MACNAIR

More than 300 hearty souls braved the frigid water of Boundary Bay for the 38th annual Polar Bear Swim on New Year’s Day. See more photos on Page 2 and at www.delta-optimist.com.

A red hot condo and townhouse market means owners of those properties in Delta will see their assessments rise significantly.

Property owners will receive their 2018 assessment notices in the mail this week, figures that reflect market value as of July 1, 2017.

As opposed to last year when single-family homes saw huge assessment increases, some as much as 50 per cent, this year it’s townhouses and condos that are seeing the largest hikes.

According to the figures released yesterday by BC Assessment, townhouses in Delta are up in the neighbourhood of 12 per cent over last year, while many condos have increased in value by close to 20 per cent.

As far as single-family homes go, values in Delta are generally flat and in some cases are actually down from last year.

Most other Fraser Valley communities have also seen sharp increases in strata values, although most cities have also seen modest jumps for singlefamily homes.

“The majority of residential home owners within the region

can expect an increase compared to last year’s assessment,” said assessor Laura Schwagele.

“This year, we have seen a strong demand in our residential strata market and this has resulted in a larger increase compared to the residential single-family detached homes.”

BC Assessment’s website at bcassessment.ca includes more details about the 2018 assessments, property information and trends such as lists of 2018’s top-valued residential properties across the province. The website also provides self-service access to a free, online property assessment search service that allows anyone to search, check and compare property assessments for anywhere in the province.

“Those who feel that their property assessment does not reflect market value as of July 1, 2017 or see incorrect information on their notice should contact BC Assessment as indicated on their notice as soon as possible in January,” added Schwagele.

“If a property owner is still concerned about their assessment after speaking to one of our appraisers, they may still submit a notice of complaint (appeal) by Jan. 31, for an independent review by a property assessment review panel.”

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A2 The Delta Optimist January 3, 2018

Chilly dip in ’Bay welcomes 2018 PHOTOS BY ADRIAN MACNAIR

Over 1,000 spectators came out to watch as some 340 participants took a dip in Boundary Bay on New Year’s Day at Delta’s 38th annual Polar Bear Swim. The top three swimmers were Jacob Enns, Stephen Stubbs and Jacob Bonikowsky, while the eldest swimmer was 79-year-old Rolf Grigull. Jonas Zeides and Stig Aronsson were the swimmers from furthest away, hailing from Hamburg, Germany.

Over 300 take New Year’s Day plunge in the 38th annual Polar Bear Swim

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

WEBSITE Get all your community news, sports and events, as well as exclusive web-only content like photo galleries, videos, blogs and podcasts, 24/7 online or on your smart phone at deltaoptimist.com.

Check out an online photo gallery from the 38th annual Polar Bear Swim held at Centennial Beach on New Year’s Day. You can check out electronic versions of all of this week’s flyers on our website. The flyers are even categorized, from automotive and electronics to fashion and food, so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for.

TWITTER Follow the Optimist in the Twittersphere: @DeltaOptimist @tedmurphydelta @Optimist_sports @GyarmatiSandor @willis_optimist @ ianjacques21

UPFRONT

Police issue 90-day driving ban after single-vehicle rollover on Deltaport Way IAN JACQUES

i j a c q u e s @ d e l t a - o p t i m i s t .co m

A pair of potentially serious accidents during the Christmas holidays has prompted the Delta Police Department to issue reminders to motorists of the dangers of drinking and driving and pedestrians of crossing the road in dark driving conditions.

A driver was deemed to be impaired and was issued a 90-day driving ban, had his driver’s licence seized and his vehicle impounded for 30 days following a crash on Deltaport Way on Christmas Eve. According to police, a Dodge truck was the lone vehicle involved in the crash, in which the vehicle

The Ladner Business Association is nearing its fundraising goal for this season’s Light up Ladner campaign.

As of late December, more than $20,000 had been raised of the original $30,000 total. This year’s goal was $9,000 and the LBA has collected just under $7,000.

LBA president Jill McKnight said the business group is thrilled with the progress it’s making and looks forward to continuing to collect donations.

There are donation jars in 10 retail locations throughout Ladner. The LBA is also accepting donations by cheque at South Coast Casuals.

Early in January the LBA will be installing signage to recognize donors who have donated more than $1,000. These donors include: Ladner Village Market ($8,000), Century Group ($2,000), Beth Stuart & Associates Ltd. ($1,000), Delta Optimist ($1,000), Vinca’s Kitchen ($1,000) and South Coast Casuals ($1,000).

McKnight said this project happens because of community donations and because of the community’s generosity.

5008 47A Avenue, Delta, BC V4K 1T8 PHONE 604-946-4451 EMAIL editor@deltaoptimist.com Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Carriers Needed Looking to make a little extra cash or to just get out of the house twice a week?

The Optimist is always looking for carriers.

Routes are currently available in Ladner and Tsawwassen.

For more information about available routes, call Katie at 604-946-4451 or email distribution@delta-optimist. com.

be impounded and they will face fines ranging from $600 to over $4,000, or potentially jail time.

On Boxing Day just after 6 p.m., a pedestrian was struck while crossing 56th Street near View Crescent in Tsawwassen.

The pedestrian, a man in his 80s, was wearing dark clothing at the time of the incident.

Leykauf said he received non-life threatening injuries. His family was notified and attended hospital to be with him. The driver of the vehicle involved stopped immediately and attempted to assist, along with other passersby.

No charges will be considered in the accident.

“Delta police would like to thank all those who

Five impaired drivers on NYE

New Year’s Eve in Delta was busy for police, but for the most part, the community rang in 2018 in a responsible fashion.

The day began with police attending several minor motor vehicle crashes due to icy roads. Fortunately, there were no significant injuries.

The DPD received an average number of calls for service for a New Year’s Eve, including complaints about noisy parties, firecrackers and intoxicated persons.

“Police thank everyone who chose to make responsible decisions regarding driving after their celebrations,” said public affairs coordinator Cris Leykauf.

“However, police did deal with five impaired drivers, handing out a number of sanctions, including one 90-day immediate roadside suspension.

“As the holidays wrap up, we remind all motorists to check road conditions prior to heading out and to drive safely.” stopped to render assistance. We also want to remind pedestrians that in low light conditions, or

poor weather, to be aware that it may be difficult for drivers to see them,” added Leykauf.

IAN JACQUES

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collided with the centre median and then struck a side barrier before flipping over.

“At any time, but especially during this holiday season, we want to remind everyone to please make plans for alternative drivers or transportation, if they may be drinking,” said public affairs coordinator Cris Leykauf. “Every year 65 people die in crashes in B.C. involving impaired driving. We want to make sure people reach their destination safely — so our police officers will be out trying to keep our roads in Delta safe.”

Motorists who are caught driving impaired could face driving suspensions from 24 hours to 90 days, their vehicles could

LBA continuing to light up Ladner Village i j a c q u e s @ d e l t a - o p t i m i s t .co m

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Contact Ted, Sandor, Dave or Ian at editor@delta-optimist.com or 604-946-4451

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January 3, 2018 The Delta Optimist A3

FILE PHOTO

The Ladner Business Association’s Light up Ladner campaign is making Ladner Village a more inviting place at night.

“People do not realize that this is an ongoing fundraising campaign as each year there are significant costs associated with the installation and maintenance of the lights,” she said. “This project is done with great support from the City of Delta in allowing us to put the lights in their trees and utilize their electrical plugs. People are thankful when they learn that the LBA is behind this

initiative.

“One of my customers recently said that for her, the lights represent the community coming together. At night when she walks in the village, she feels like she is surrounded by people as she knows the community has given towards this project.”

The lights have enhanced the atmosphere of the village, especially during the Christmas sea-

son.

McKnight reports that visitors to the area have commented that the lights make everyone’s spirits just a bit brighter.

One resident of Tsawwassen remarked that it is amazing what the community working together can accomplish, while a Ladner resident said she loves being greeted by the lights when leaving work, adding that they

make her feel welcome, safe and comfortable.

“This campaign has brought light into our Village and showcases the charm and quaintness of our community,” said Carol Miles, owner of South Delta Heels. “As a business owner, I appreciate the joint efforts of all who participated and continue to give to this beautiful seasonal jewel of Ladner.”

A4 The Delta Optimist January 3, 2018

Community safety plan a prime focus Delta police introducing project — dealing with traffic, drugs and property crime — this year IAN JACQUES

i j a c q u e s @ d e l t a - o p t i m i s t .co m

The introduction of a new community safety plan will be a prime focus for the Delta Police Department in 2018.

Anticipated to be approved by the Delta police board later this month, the safety plan will focus on issues like traffic (pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, speeding and distracted driving), drugs (opioid crisis, fentanyl and youth drug use) and property crime (theft from autos and theft).

“We started this process working with the community through a survey and town hall meetings to get input,” said Chief Neil Dubord. “We then reached out to some of our major partners like the Delta school district, City of Delta, Boys and Girls Club, Fraser Health just to name a few.”

Following that consultation, the department went through an internal communications effort to come up with the proposed plan.

Dubord said that across

the board, their stakeholder outreach expressed a desire for more police engagement, increased sense of ownership by the police, and more interaction/visibility by police.

“The D-SEP, enhanced service delivery will dove tail into our community safety plan for 2018 taking us through 2022, so I am very encouraged by this and looking forward to the strength we will be building in our community and within our organization to serve the citizens effectively,” he added.

Other projects that will be undertaken in 2018 include the new provincial e-ticketing program, which will be piloted in March with Delta being the first department to roll the program out.

An investigative review will be done looking at the department’s sex assault unit, street crimes, major crimes and forensics to how those units can become better and more efficient. Dubord expects this review to be complete in September with a late 2018 implementation.

Another major focus

will be the implementation of the pending marijuana legislation.

“Other agencies have estimated that it will be two per cent of their budget so for us that is $800,000. That’s a lot of money,” said Dubord. “For us there are still so many unanswered questions.

We have to ensure that our officers have the tools to deal with issues say at 3 a.m. when they are on the street. It will require a lot of work as we try and navigate the new legislation.”

The Tsawwassen First Nation will be of greater focus for the department with the creation of a new First Nation Service Team.

“This will have the ability to have officers right on the TFN to respond to all the calls at the Mills and Commons with a dedicated officer, almost like a beat officer who knows the community, knows the culture, knows the issues, knows the partners and working embedded in that community to make it better,” said Dubord.

“This will be in addition to our existing TFN officer Const. Mike Grandia who

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looking after the policing needs of the community.”

Finally, Dubord and senior staff will be doing a full security review of all their facilities and technology.

“It’s a big list of goals and objectives, but I’m confident that we can achieve all of them,” he said.

“To achieve these goals we need continued cooperation from the community.

Their continuing ability to listen and figure out how you can actually contribute and do your part – maybe a small FILE PHOTO part — in Chief Neil Dubord said Delta police began work on a new commubeing able nity safety plan with a survey and town hall meetings. to assist this community does a number of great web that ties it all together continue with the standprograms at the TFN. Mike and the service team is ard of life and quality of will continue to be the responding to calls and life that we have become accustomed too. We have a wonderful quality of life LITTLE HOUSE SOCIETY here and I would hate to HOPE - HEALING - RECOVERY see that in any way diminish under my command.”

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January 3, 2018 The Delta Optimist A5

Community

A friend in the phone Living Matters

BARBARA GUNN

The son and I had stopped at the local pub for a pint.

He was in the middle of a story when I held up my hand.

“Wait a sec,” I said.

“What’s that song? I really like it.”

The son grabbed his phone.

“I could tell you,” he said. “But why don’t we Shazam it instead?”

“Why don’t we what?” I asked.

“Shazam it,” he said.

“You’ve never heard of Shazam?”

He was incredulous — and apparently, justifiably.

Turns out I was extremely late — as in years — to the Shazam party.

The son tapped an app

on his phone and held it up. Then the phone — and I know this sounds ridiculous — started listening.

It listened. It listened some more. And then it told us the song was called Creep and that the band was Radiohead.

“How does it do that?” I asked.

“No idea,” he shrugged.

I decided to find out.

I consulted Google, the mother of all search masters, and was told that Shazam “identifies songs based on an audio fingerprint based on a timefrequency graph called a spectrogram.”

Alrighty then.

“Let’s do another one,” I said to the son. Shazam went to work. Paper Bag by Fiona Apple. Blue Monday

by New Order. Foolish by Ashanti.

“How does it do that?”

I repeated. I turned the son’s phone over and over in my hand, looking for a Lilliputian DJ to emerge.

Surely, a friendly one lived inside, one with a massive musical playlist.

“Let’s get Shazam on your phone,” said the son.

He picked up my iPhone, and began to tap

away madly.

“There,” he said, returning my device. “You’re Shazam-ed.”

I set my Shazam to work. I discovered there’s a song called Try Again by someone named Aaliyah.

I learned that someone named Shakira did a song called Whenever, Wherever.

I even assigned my iPhone DJ to songs I already knew.

“What are you doing?” asked the son, who’d ordered another brew.

I was holding my phone in the air so it could listen.

“You know that song,” said the son. “Everyone knows that song. It’s Desperado.”

“I know that,” I whispered. “I’m just testing my Shazam.”

Shazam passed with flying colours: Eagles, it said.

Amazing, I thought.

And to think that for years, other folks have been Shazam-ing tunes, while I haven’t had a clue.

Thanks to the son, though, those days are gone. From here on, I’ll always know the name of a song — all because of that friend in my phone.

Options available in Delta for Christmas tree recycling So the Christmas season is over.

The decorations have been put away in the attic until next year and all you have left is your tree, needles and all. So how do you get rid of it?

Well, there are a number of ways to recycle your tree in South Delta.

The City of Delta offers curbside collection of your tree as live trees can be put out alongside your Green Can on collection day. Make sure that all large trees are cut in half to make it easier for collection crews.

Tree drop-off The Enviro-Smart Organics composting facility (4295-72nd St., Ladner) will take all live trees for recycling. For hours of operation, please contact the facility directly at 604946-0201.

Tree chipping The Delta Lions Club will once again be providing Christmas tree chipping services. The service is provided by donation,

TIME TO RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE

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The Tsawwassen Boundary Bay Lions Annual Christmas Tree Chipping Held at South Delta Recreation Centre.

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Winter Safety Tip:

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Baseboard heaters allow you to have different temperatures for different rooms and are simple and economical to have installed.

There are a number of ways to recycle your Christmas tree in South Delta. with all proceeds going back to causes within the community.

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BY JAN 31, 2018

A6 The Delta Optimist January 3, 2018

Published every Wednesday & Friday by the Delta Optimist, a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership 5008 47A Avenue, Delta, BC V4K 1T8 Phone 604-946-4451 Deliveries 604-946-5171 www.delta-optimist.com

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All Rights Reserved The Delta Optimist is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact the editor at editor@delta-optimist.com or 604-946-4451. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil. ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

Murphy’s Law

L

TED MURPHY

ike Stephen Harper’s sweater vest or Gordon Campbell’s plaid shirt, we’ve inadvertently taken a page out of the political handbook.

A stray on the North Coast, Lacey was malnourished, hairless and had a litter of puppies in tow when she arrived at the SPCA’s Prince Rupert shelter more than two years ago. When we found her at the West Vancouver shelter six months later, the Labshepherd mix was in much better health but still not looking her best.

The sad case provoked many emotions, including an overwhelming sense of pity, but never once did I feel the least bit threatened, although I’ve subsequently learned not everyone shares that sense of safety when Lacey is around. Even when those satellite dishes she calls ears are at K9-like attention, I still see the dog that won’t chase the ball if it gets too far down the dark hallway or, until recently, wouldn’t come into a room if an overhead fan was running.

Others see something different, concerned that the all-black, bow-legged, 90-pound beauty coming towards them poses such a danger they need to cross the road. It’s happened often enough that I’ve learned to give fellow pedestrians a wide berth, which probably reinforces the erroneous notion that she’s somehow a danger, but it’s a worthwhile trade-off if it makes them feel safer on Ladner’s sidewalks.

The funny thing is recently they haven’t been avoiding Lacey nearly as much thanks to a wardrobe makeover.

In an attempt to keep her warm and dry, she now occasionally tours the neighbourhood in a knitted sweater or a bright red raincoat, which has suddenly made her far more approachable.

Where they used to keep a safe distance, they’re now coming over to engage. The tail still rarely wags around strangers and the poker face can be disconcerting, but that doesn’t stop them from approaching now, believing, I can only presume, that a dog bundled up in a sweater couldn’t possibly pose a threat to their safety. They’re right, even if the stylish pullover has nothing to do with it.

I’m not sure whether a wardrobe transformation created a kinder, gentler prime minister or an everyman premier, but it’s done wonders for Lacey’s reputation. It’s a shame it’ll all come to an end once the weather improves.

Tackle those resolutions for the new year step by step

W

hen I was a reporter for Delta TV, my first assignment after the Christmas holidays was to interview people about the most popular New Year’s resolution: getting into shape.

My cameraman Justin and I climbed the stairs to the weight room at the Ladner Leisure Centre and entered a world of sweaty passion. Buff men and women ran on treadmills, stair climbed on the elliptical and performed perfect squats.

They were impressive and very intimidating.

Justin turned the camera to an elderly gentleman who was pumping iron in the corner. I asked him about fitness resolutions and wow did I get an earfull.

He flew into a rant about broken promises.

“I see it every January, the gym is full of new people, they come a few times a week and work out and then by February you never see them again,” he grumbled.

“There’s a core group of us who are committed to working out and our group doesn’t grow much, it’s disappointing.”

He stared into the camera, “Come out and join us and stick

Community Comment INGRID ABBOTT

with it, your body will thank you.”

I’ve thought about that man’s words many times. He’s right, most of us don’t follow through on New Year’s promises to get fit and lose the inches. All year long I struggle to stay disciplined in my fitness commitment and have a plethora of excuses not to workout.

Statistics tell us 80 per cent of the people who make New Year’s resolutions fail, and only eight per cent stick to them. If getting into shape and losing weight is the number one resolution, then the chances of 2018 being a healthier year are slim.

We have no excuses in South Delta. We have some of the best instructors and facilities in the Lower Mainland. From aqua fit-

ness to yoga, we have it all, day and night, seven days a week.

My fitness inspiration comes from two places. My mother is 80 and my step-father is 86 and they exercise three mornings a week in a local gym. They are relatively new to working out but believe exercise will keep them healthy as they age. They rock, and I am so impressed with their commitment.

I am also inspired by the men and women I exercise with at Winksill Park’s fitness classes.

Most of them are older than me and yet they can lift some serious weight. Friendships have developed and there’s a lot of laughter along with the moans and groans.

Our enthusiastic instructor Linda motivates and encourages me, but ultimately it’s my responsibility to make working out a priority. Mental discipline is key, showing up is the hard part, exercising is the easy part.

Try to commit to your New Year’s resolutions no matter how small they may be. You’ve chosen them for a reason, so just take it one step at a time.

Ingrid Abbott is a broadcaster and writer who doesn’t make New Year’s resolutions because she is constantly trying to do better no matter the time of the year.

January 3, 2018 The Delta Optimist A7

Letters

Something smells but it’s sure not reason

Editor: Re: Pot answers prove elusive I have a hard time understanding why we’d allow the sale of pot in private stores.

I’ve had just as hard a time fathoming why we’ve allowed private stores to sell alcohol.

To a pothead or a boozer, it doesn’t matter whether he (or she) buys alcohol or pot from a private or a government store. But it sure matters who pays the costs of the ill effects of booze and pot, not to mention the cost of care of those addicted to the illegal drugs.

The government pays the doctor bills and hospital costs incurred by drinkers, private liquor stores don’t.

Even though marijuana has been illegal, the government has paid the healthcare costs incurred by potheads, pushers never have. And the gov-

ernment will continue to pay those costs even after pot is legal, private pot outlets won’t.

And it is government welfare that has picked up the costs of families hurt by alcoholism and other drug addictions, not private stores and traffickers.

The crooked dealings of private vehicle insurance companies brought us the Insurance Corporation of B.C., so the provincial government has been picking up the costs of impaired driving for about 44 years, alcohol distillers and brewers and makers have paid nought.

Never mind that pot causes psychiatric illnesses in some, never mind that pot injures immature brains, pot will be sold legally to anybody who’s at least 19, not those over 25.

Never mind that marijuana’s illegal status put a pall on research into it for centuries, our prime minister and private investors

have deemed its legalization a profitable decision, profitable in votes and profitable in dollars — for them, not the government: us. And the government of us is in debt, a growing debt in spite of our provincial politicians’ claims that their fudget budgets have been balanced.

What’s worse, our federal government is so far gone that it doesn’t bother to lie about its growing debt, it brags about it — and it’s the level of government that’s rushing pot’s legalization.

Something smells and it ain’t reason.

And there’s that other facet of private versus government pot and liquor sales: government stores pay their employees well with benefits, private stores don’t; it’s what private industry calls “a level playing field”, a field whose level tilts in its favor and nobody else’s.

Greg J. Edwards

Editor: Although I think that using Medical Assistance in Dying is a personal choice, I do not agree with Fraser Health trying to force this upon our hospice. Delta Hospice’s mandate is “to neither prolong nor hasten death.”

There are already facili-

ties that will perform this service if required. Some hospitals and a facility in New Westminster, as well as a person’s home.

You wouldn’t sell meat in a shoe store... why would you assist dying in a hospice?

There are 10 rooms in the Delta Hospice, and I

am truly concerned how a resident and family in the other rooms would react to having this performed around them.

Please, help us stop Fraser Health from taking away the safe, loving atmosphere that Delta Hospice provides.

D. Mitchell

N

E

W

Don’t force MAiD on hospice

Greens trying to prevent financial ruin

Editor: Re: Greens should let government fall over Site C decision (letters, Dec. 22).

While the reader is correct in their assessment that Site C is not financially viable, it’s ridiculous

to suggest that the Greens should threaten to bring down the government over it.

The new government that would form after the current one falls (presumably controlled by the NDP

or Liberals) would choose to continue with Site C, making the whole exercise moot. No, the Greens are doing all they can to save B.C. from financial catastrophe.

Don Barthel

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A8 The Delta Optimist January 3, 2018

2018

How men can benefit from yoga Improved flexibility, stamina and weight control among the myriad of positives

The popularity of yoga has grown considerably in the 21st century. But while women have embraced yoga en masse, men have been more hesitant to do so.

A 2012 survey from Yoga Journal found that, among the 20 million yoga practitioners in the United States, only 18 percent were men. While those figures might have risen in recent years, anyone who has recently visited a yoga studio can attest that the participants in many classes remain overwhelmingly female. That’s unfortunate for men, who could be benefitting from practicing yoga in a myriad ways.

Yoga can protect against muscle imbalances. Yoga requires various muscle groups to work together to perform certain exercises.

This can reduce the risk of muscle imbalances that can develop when men

design workout routines that target specific muscle groups.

Yoga can improve flexibility. When performed correctly, various yoga exercises improve flexibility. For example, the big toe pose can help men and women lengthen and strengthen their hamstrings, while the downward facing dog pose stretches various areas of the body, including the shoulders, calves and arches. Yoga is not the only way for men to improve their flexibility, but it can be an effective supplement to exercise routines for men who routinely feel tight after traditional strength training sessions.

Yoga can improve stamina. Numerous studies have indicated the positive effects yoga can have on muscle endurance. In 2005, researchers at the

Numerous studies have indicated the positive effects yoga can have on muscle endurance.

University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, found that the regular practice of Hatha yoga provided a signifi-

WARNING: exercise has been known to cause health & happiness.

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I can squat & stand with minimal effort. I feel that there is nothing I can’t do around the house or outside. I have reduced my pain medication by 50%. I have discontinued the medication for muscle spasms altogether. I wake feeling refreshed.

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mens and/or participate in competitive sports.

Yoga can help men maintain healthy weights.

The Harvard Medical School notes that researchers discovered that people who practiced yoga for at least 30 minutes once a week for at least four years gained less weight during middle adulthood than those who did not.

That might be linked to additional research that found people who practiced yoga were more mindful eaters than those who did not, making them less likely to overeat, eat when sad or stressed or eat in response to certain cues, including the smell of food.

Fewer men than women may practice yoga, but that does not mean men cannot benefit just as much from embracing this ancient practice.

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January 3, 2018 The Delta Optimist A9

2018

Avoid muscle soreness with these handy tips

Muscle soreness can affect people from all walks of life. While exercise enthusiasts who work out several times per week may feel like they should be immune to muscle soreness, this potentially painful condition that can adversely affect quality of life can fell even the most ardent fitness fanatic.

Those who find themselves routinely battling muscle soreness can employ the following tactics to feel better and enjoy the fruits of their labors in the gym.

Listen to your body.

Daily exercise can greatly benefit long-term health, but it’s important that men and women listen to their bodies, paying attention to any signs that it might be time for a break. Each person is different, but exercise aficionados who recognize any abnormal signs such as unexplained

fatigue or cramps may need to take a day off.

Bodies need time to recover after a workout.

Get adequate sleep.

Getting enough sleep provides recovery time. Adults between the ages of 18 and 64 years of age should get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, while adults 65 and older should get between seven and eight hours of sleep per night.

Don’t overdo it. Pushing a body too hard increases a person’s risk of injury or illness. Muscles that are overtaxed will very likely begin to feel a type of pain known as delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS. Any type of activity that places unaccustomed loads on muscle may lead to DOMS, but activities such as strength training exercises, walking down hills, jogging, step aerobics, and jumping are

known examples of contributors to DOMS. Such activities should not necessarily be avoided, but it’s important that men and women not push themselves to the point of overexertion when performing them.

Stay hydrated. Muscle soreness may appear if men and women are not drinking enough water before, during or after their workouts. A dehydrated body’s muscles do not have enough electrolytes, and that can be contributing to the feelings of soreness some exercise enthusiasts feel. Drink lots of water throughout the day, and don’t forget to bring a water bottle along to the gym when working out.

Muscle soreness can be painful and difficult to deal with. But the solution to address such soreness is oftentimes very simple.

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A10 The Delta Optimist January 3, 2018

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Those unfamiliar with core training might think it’s just another exercise fad, unaware of the many practical benefits of a strong core.

To understand the benefits of core strength training exercise, it first helps to understand what such exercises are and dispel a common misconception about core training.

People unfamiliar with core strength training may mistakenly believe it’s merely a way to sculpt toned abdominal muscles. While core training focuses on muscles in the abdomen, it does not do so exclusively. Proper core strength training focuses on the body’s entire core,

including the hips, back and chest as well as the abdomen.

The following are three significant ways that athletes and non-athletes alike can benefit from core strength training.

Improved balance: while working muscles in the hips, abdomen and back, core strength training is training these muscles to function as a more cohesive unit. This can improve balance, which can prove especially beneficial to aging men and women who may feel like they are losing some of their coordination.

Uniformity of muscles: men and women who adhere to more traditional strength training workouts may notice certain muscle groups develop more than others, perhaps naturally or because they are willingly or subconsciously focusing on certain areas more than others. For example, a person who

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enjoys doing bicep curls might develop especially large biceps but may not focus as much on the muscles in his or her back.

That can lead to muscular imbalances. Proper core strength training reduces the likelihood of such imbalances because the exercises focus collectively on a group of muscles, training these muscles to work together and developing them at the same pace.

Better posture: corestrengthening exercises are the best way for men and women to improve their posture. That’s because some of the muscles worked during core training move the torso by flexing, extending or rotating the spine, while other muscles worked stabilize the pelvis and spine in a natural, neutral position.

Core strength training exercises can greatly improve adults’ overall health.

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January 3, 2018 The Delta Optimist A11

2018

Simple ways to a healthier heart Controlling cholesterol levels is beneficial

Heart disease is a formidable foe. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for approximately 800,000 deaths every year.

The Government of Canada notes that heart disease is the second leading cause of death in the country, annually accounting for tens of thousands of deaths.

While heart disease exacts a devastating toll on the United States and Canada, its reach extends far beyond North America, as the American College of Cardiology notes that cardiovascular disease accounts for 31 percent of all deaths across the globe.

In spite of the prevalence of heart disease, men and women are not helpless against it. In fact, there are many ways for men and women to reduce their risk for heart disease.

Maintain a healthy weight: carrying around extra weight takes a toll on the body, increasing a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke. Overweight or obese men and women can work with their physicians to develop a plan for effective, long-term weight loss, a plan that will likely include a combination of diet and routine exercise.

Understand and manage blood pressure: high blood pressure, a common condition, is often referred

to as “the silent killer” because it does not necessarily produce symptoms.

Blood pressure measures the force pushing outward on the walls of blood vessels as they carry blood oxygen to the body’s organs, and the force created as the heart rests between beats.

Over time, the arterial walls of people with high High blood pressure, a common blood pressure condition, is often referred to as may become “the silent killer.” stressed and develop weak rosis, or a narrowing of the spots or scarring inside of the artery walls. that makes them vulnerThat narrowing leads to able to the buildup of an increased risk for heart plaque. Plaque buildup attack and stroke. can increase the risk of Men and women should blood clots and stroke. get their cholesterol levBlood pressure can rise els checked at least once as a person ages, so manevery four to six years aging blood pressure beginning at age 20. Men involves routinely checkand women who have ing it and making certain been diagnosed with high changes, such as eating cholesterol should rechealthier foods and exerognize that cholesterol cising more often. is only found in animal Control cholesterol products, so a diet that is levels: high levels of lowrich in fruits, vegetables density lipoprotein, often and whole grains and low referred to as “bad” choin animal products can lesterol, can increase a provide a simple way for person’s risk for heart dismen and women to lower ease. Excessive amounts their cholesterol. A more of cholesterol can be deposited into the arteries thorough and detailed as plaque. When that hap- plan to lower cholesterol levels should be discussed pens, it leads to a condiwith a physician. tion known as atheroscle-

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A12 The Delta Optimist January 3, 2018

Sports Shorts SCOREBOARD

DELTA SPORTS

Got Sports?

Contact Mark at mbooth@delta-optimist.com or 604-946-4451

PACIFIC JUNIOR HOCKEY Tom Shaw Conference W L T OTL Pts Delta 28 2 0 1 57 Richmond 21 5 1 2 45 North Van 20 8 0 3 43 Grandview 18 11 1 2 39 Port Moody 9 20 0 1 19 Harold Brittain Conference Abbotsford 19 9 1 3 R. Meadows 20 10 1 0 Mission 12 18 0 1 Langley 10 18 1 2 Aldergrove 9 17 1 2 Surrey 1 30 0 1 Scores Delta 3

Aldergrove 2

Ice Hawks Scoring GP G J. Deyrmenjian 28 23 G. Dhaliwal 30 15 D. Rubin 31 11 J. Rees 30 10 A. Suprynowicz 29 12 D. Szapakowski 30 10 J. Bogress 14 9 M. Araki-Young 24 5 N. Pelletier 28 8 M. Epshtein 30 8 B. Bonnar 31 6 A. Hansen-Bukata29 3 I. Hendricks 30 3 E. Bourhill 12 9 G. LeBlanc 27 6 L. Visram 29 3 M. Cheung 20 1 T. Garey 30 1 K. Uy 8 3 J. Nelson 7 4 N. Marsh 15 1 Goalies J. Engleson J. Naylor

42 41 25 23 21 3

A 29 27 24 23 16 16 9 12 8 8 10 13 11 2 5 8 8 8 4 1 2

Pts 52 42 35 33 28 26 18 17 16 16 16 16 14 11 11 11 9 9 7 5 3

PHOTO BY MARK BOOTH

Delta Wild captain Nicholas Kovacs battles with Port Moody’s James Durnin as teammate Sheldyn Scott looks on during Sunday’s Bantam Tier One final at the 37th annual Richmond International Bantam Midget Hockey Tournament. The Wild won 6-3.

DHA goes Wild in Richmond

Delta Hockey Academy’s Bantam Varsity team captures RBMIHT tier 1 title MARK BOOTH

AVG 1.56 2.18

LOCAL TIDES

SV% .932 .910

Pacific Standard Time.

Height in feet THURSDAY, JAN. 4 1:24 am 1.3 8:55 am 15.4 2:29 pm 10.5 7:05 pm 13.1 FRIDAY, JAN. 5 2:09 am 2.0 9:37 am 15.4 3:33 pm 9.8 8:05 pm 12.1 SATURDAY, JAN. 6 2:55 am 3.0 10:19 am 15.4 4:39 pm 8.9 9:14 pm 11.5 SUNDAY, JAN. 7 3:42 am 4.6 10:59 am 15.1 5:43 pm 7.9 10:39 pm 10.5 MONDAY, JAN. 8 4:30 am 6.2 11:38am 14.8 6:44 pm 6.9 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.

m b o o t h @ d e l t a - o p t i m i s t .c o m

The depth of Delta Hockey Academy’s Bantam program was on full display over the holidays.

While DHA’s two Bantam Prep teams were busy at the Pat Quinn Classic in Burnaby, the Varsity squad enjoyed an outstanding run at the 37th annual Richmond International Bantam Midget Hockey Tournament.

The Wild capped a memorable week at the Richmond Ice Centre with a 6-3 win over Port Moody A1 in the Bantam Tier One championship game on New Year’s Eve. It’s the second time in three years DHA has captured this division and was further evidence of why the South Delta Secondary School based academy is considered among the best in Western Canada.

This is the first year DHA has iced two Prep teams at the key 13-and-14-year-old age group.

Delta had dominated the Varsity level to the point where both its entries squared off in the Canadian School Sport Hockey League title game a year ago with a combined 44-5-1 record.

The program is attracting talent from throughout B.C. and beyond.

DHA’s Bantam Prep teams feature just two Delta players. The Varsity squad does have eight homegrown products and is predominately a first-year team with 15 2004 born players.

The Wild is more than holding its own in the CSSHL Bantam

Varsity Division with a 14-3-1 record. The success carried over into the RIBMHT. “The academy has done an amazing job right from the top helping to recruit kids to the program,” said Wild head coach Mike Scott. “This is my first-year with this team and they have brought me some good players, some that I have never seen before.”

The Richmond tourney was a nice change-up from the regular season which sees the Wild get a steady diet of the same seven other academy teams in its division. Delta played six games in as many days and against a different opponent each time.

A 3-1-0 round-robin record included wins over California’s Golden State Elite (4-1), Coquitlam Chiefs Bantam A1 (6-3) and the Alaska All-Stars.

Ironically, the team’s only loss of the tournament was a 2-1 setback

to the South Delta A1 Storm.

The Wild still moved onto the semi-finals as the No. 2 seed and toppled Juan de Fuca 5-1 on Saturday at Minoru Arenas. That set the stage for the championship game against Port Moody that edged Coquitlam 5-4 in its semi-final tilt to remain the only unbeaten team (3-0-2) in the 10-team tier.

DHA notched a pair of second period goals to open up a 3-1 lead.

Twice, Port Moody pulled within one in the third period before the Wild iced the championship with a pair of empty net tallies.

Goaltender Harrison Meneghin earned player of the game honours for his fine play, especially in the third period when the Wild ran into penalty trouble.

“With 15 first-year players it was a great learning experience for our guys and I couldn’t believe how hard they battled,” added Scott.

Delta Bantam Varsity Wild: RIBMHT Bantam Tier 1 champions.

“You can see we are not the biggest team in the tournament but they battled and it’s nice to do this so close to home where all the families can come out and watch.

“Six games with six different opponents. Any time you can get that it’s great and every game was close. It was great hockey for us and we couldn’t have asked for better competition.”

It will be a busy second half of the season for the Wild with a tournament later this month in Prince George and also a trip to Phoenix in February — on top of several more CSSHL Showcase Weekends.

The trio of Caleb Reimer, Niall Crocker and Nathan Macpherson Ridgewell led the Wild in tournament scoring.

The tournament roster also included: Henry Smith, Luke Chakrabarti, Quinn Ridley, Taylor Chiu, Brady Estabrook, Easton Kovacs, Sheldyn Scott, Nicholas Kovacs, Logan Joslin, Ty Brassington, Tye Hemenway, Kai Clayton, Kyle Kalamaras, Matteo Speranza and goalie Ben Grahame.

Icing…

The South Delta Storm proved just how competitve RIBMHT Bantam Tier One Division was.

Although they didn’t reach the playoff round, the local squad went 1-2-1 with both losses being by a single goal to Coquitlam (5-4) and Golden State (2-1). South Delta also battled Alaska to a 4-4 tie. The Storm own a 8-6-0 record in the PCAHA Flight 2.

January 3, 2018 The Delta Optimist A13

Sports

SDMHA’s House Party gets started Thursday DANIEL FELDMAN

Optimist contributor

The sweet frost of the holidays brings around a familiar event to many South Deltans.

The immensely popular Party In Da House Tournament is back, for its 14th instalment.

The South Delta Minor Hockey Association event involves all 19 SDMHA house level teams battling for local bragging rights from Atom to Midget. Occasionally, female teams participate as well and end up holding their own if not topping some of the boys.

This year’s tournament will run from Thursday until Sunday.

The round robin portion takes place on the first two days with games taking place at the Ladner Leisure Centre and Tilbury Ice. They will determine Saturday’s semi-final match-ups. The winners move on to Sunday’s four division finals which will all take place at the LLC. Championship game times are Atom (12:50 p.m.), Pee Wee (2:30 p.m.), Bantam (4:10 p.m.) and Midget (6:05 p.m.).

From a player’s perspective,

this tournament is one of the highlights of the year. Only out of town tourneys beat these.

Playing against your friends and with your friends adds so much more to what already is one of the best sports in the world.

The tournament’s coveted prize is a trophy, which resembles the Stanley Cup, but what is won is much more than just that: bragging rights.

Being able to remind your friends that you were on the best team in South Delta is so much more. In addition, the winner from each division squares off against the top teams from North Delta for the Delta Cup in March.

From a referee’s perspective, the tournament also offers plenty of fun. In games where players know each other, they are simply more competitive and fastpaced. Often times I even know some of the players and occasionally talk to them for my own enjoyment. Also, no one can criticize you for being biased!

All jokes aside, this tournament is great for the community.

So many people are united over the love of watching their kids

PHOTO BY ADRIAN MCNAIR

South Delta Atom C4 team defeated the Whatcom Warriors 10-5 in league play last month as it gets set for the 14th annual Party In Da House Tournament which starts Thursday. playing Canada’s favourite game against each other.

The tournament also makes an impact off the ice.

Daily 50/50 draws see a portion of the proceeds donated to B.C. Children’s Hospital. The

Food Drive Challenge has each team donate non-perishable items to the Delta Food Bank.

Each team also donates gift baskets for a raffle draw with tickets sold throughout the weekend.

Hopefully this year’s edition

achieves everything it has in the past and then some.

Daniel Feldman is a Delta Secondary student doing work experience at the Optimist. He is also a SDMHA player and official.

Hawks get a pair of morning games at PJHL Winter Classic MARK BOOTH

m b o o t h @ d e l t a - o p t i m i s t .c o m

The Pacific Junior Hockey League’s Winter Classic will be a fixture in Richmond until at least 2022.

The showcase event, which starts Friday, will feature all 11 PJHL teams playing twice at Minoru Arenas’ stadium rink which is home to the Richmond Sockeyes. Games run from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. each of the three days.

“When we first came up with the concept, obviously getting the facility is one thing and making it cost effective,” explained Sockeyes co-owner Doug Paterson. “The City of Richmond, through Will Kump, has been extraordinarily good to us. We took it the first year and (Richmond) came back to us and said why not take it for another five. So we will have it for six years. This is year two and we will have it for four more years.”

Being the official Winter Classic home means all the league’s trophies are permanently on display in the upstairs reception area in the stadium rink. The arena will also host a beer and wine garden over the Winter Classic.

The event is ideal for higher tier junior teams, along with university programs, to scout potential talent all in the same building.

“It allows our league to show a great product and anytime you can do that

at home makes it even better,” added Paterson.

It will be breakfast with the Delta Ice Hawks for their two games.

The PJHL’s top team faces Surrey on Friday morning at 10 a.m. The Hawks then take on conference rival North Vancouver at the same time on Saturday.

The Ice Hawks closed out another outstanding month with a 3-2 road win over the Aldergrove Kodiaks last week. They went 6-0-0-1 in December.

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A14 The Delta Optimist January 3, 2018

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REMEMBRANCES

EMPLOYMENT

OBITUARIES

ACCOUNTING/ FINANCIAL BANMAN, Doug It is with deep sadness that we announce that Doug Banman passed away to be with his Saviour on December 17, 2017. He leaves behind Kathy, his loving wife of 49 years, his daughter Shelly (Nick) and grandson Benjamin, along with his siblings and close friends.

Born on November 23, 1943 in Manitoba, Doug decided that the mild weather of Vancouver was better and made the move out west. He met and married Kathy and after several years of marriage they had a daughter.

Doug spent his years working in construction, with the last part of his career at the Delta School District.

Doug enjoyed camping, biking, puttering around the yard and spending time with his family. He was friendly and enjoyed long talks with anyone who would listen.

SEDAR, Wayne Jr. February 15, 1970 - December 29, 2017 Wayne passed away peacefully at Delta Hospice.

Survived by mother Mavis, sister Marlene (Rob), brother Colin (Tawnia), and many nieces and nephews: Tiana, Rachelle, Daina, Erik, Breanna, Clayton and Camille.

Celebration of life will be at Ladner Legion on Friday January 5th from 12:30-4:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Delta Hospice.

COMMUNITY COMING EVENTS South Delta Rams Football Club AGM meeting January 15th at 7pm. South Delta Recreation Centre. All football families welcome

He will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 2:00 pm, at South Delta Baptist Church, 1988 - 56 Street, Tsawwassen, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Union Gospel Mission, PO Box 2545 Stn Terminal, Vancouver, BC - V6B 9Z9.

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ADVERTISING POLICIES

All advertising published in this newspaper is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and willingly sold to buyers at the advertised prices. Advertisers are aware of these conditions. Advertising that does not conform to these standards or that is deceptive or misleading, is never knowingly accepted. If any reader encounters non-compliance with these standards we ask that you inform the Publisher of this newspaper and The Advertising Standards Council of B.C. OMISSION AND ERROR: The publishers do not guarantee the insertion of a particular advertisement on a specified date, or at all, although every effort will be made to meet the wishes of the advertisers.

Further, the publishers do not accept liability for any loss of damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by the portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred. Any corrections of changes will be made in the next available issue. The Delta Optimist will be responsible for only one incorrect insertion with liability limited to that portion of the advertisement affected by the error. Request for adjustments or corrections on charges must be made within 30 days of the ad’s expiration.

For best results please check your ad for accuracy the first day it appears. Refunds made only after 7 business days notice!

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JACOBS, Terrance Dale "Terry" June 1948 − December 20, 2017 It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our Dad at his home in Richmond at the age of 69. Dad was quick witted, laughed a lot and was great fun to be around. He treasured his grandchildren and they adored their Papa. Dad always grew an amazing garden and he was an avid sports fan. We will miss everything about him. Terry is predeceased by his parents, Thora and Walter Jacobs. He will be greatly missed by daughters Michelle (Darcy) and Sue (Alan), grandchildren Chase, Sydney, Tia and Kyle, his siblings Marilyn (Jack) and Al (Carol) and extended family and many friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Pioneer Pub in Richmond on Saturday, January 13 from 1pm−3pm. Donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation in lieu of flowers. Always in our hearts, Dad. We love you and miss you.

LANGSFORD, Ken

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Ken passed away peacefully after a short illness December 13th 2017, in Delta Hospice. Ken was a loving husband, father and grandfather, as well as a kind and loyal friend. Predeceased by beloved son Andrew in 2011.

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A16 The Delta Optimist January 3, 2018

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