THIS WEEK
• Winter Wonderland Skates: various dates and times, through to Jan. 2; various locations; Delta arenas are being transformed into a skating winter wonderland. Join us for a skate while enjoying our seasonal decorations. Regular admission applies. Dec. 22, 23, 27 and Jan. 2: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Dec. 24: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Dec. 31: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Jan. 1: 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• 39th Annual Polar Bear Swim: Jan. 1, 1 p.m.; Centennial Beach, Boundary Bay Regional Park; Kick off your 2019 in the coolest way possible, with a plunge into the chilly waters of Boundary Bay. Every year, hundreds of people flock to the shores of Boundary Bay to put their nerves to the test as part of our annual Polar Bear Swim. Joined by crowds of onlookers and donned in costumes and swimming attire, participants keep the mood festive as they eagerly await the moment they can take the plunge. For those who feel more comfortable bundled appropriately for the season, there are raffle prizes to be won and waves of family-friendly entertainment to enjoy, along with warm cups of hot chocolate served by Tsawwassen’s Lions Club. The top 3 swimmers will be awarded a trophy and a prize; there are also prizes for oldest swimmer and swimmer from furthest away. Registration opens at noon; swim gets underway at 1 p.m.
COMING UP
• Delta Scottsdale Lions Club Christmas Tree Chipping: Jan. 5 and 6, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sungod Recreation Centre; The Delta Scottsdale Lions Club will be hosting its annual Christmas tree chipping event again this holiday season in North Delta. Other Lions Clubs will also be holding tree chipping events elsewhere in Delta: Ladner’s Memorial Park (Jan. 5 and 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Tsawwassen’s South Delta Recreation Centre (Jan. 5 and 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Christmas tree chipping is provided by donation with all proceeds going back to the community.
• Learn to Play Mah-jong: Jan. 14, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; George Mackie Library; Get the basics or refresh your skills at this introductory workshop. All skill levels welcome. Learn all about mah-jong, a popular Chinese and American table game, then stay for a while to practice playing. Interested players can meet Mondays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. starting Jan. 21 to play at the library.
• Inside Fraser Surrey Docks: Jan. 23, 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.; George Mackie Library; Fraser Surrey Docks has been operating on the Fraser River since 1929. Every year, this multi-purpose, seven-berth marine terminal receives 300 ships and handles millions of tonnes of cargo. Join us for a free presentation to learn about the terminal, the commodities it handles, the economic importance of the Fraser River, and more. Guest speaker: Jeff Scott, president and CEO, Fraser Surrey Docks LP. Register by Jan. 17 at portvancouver.com/delta, by phone at 604-665-9635, in person at the Port of Vancouver Delta Community Office (5225A Ladner Trunk Rd.) or on Eventbrite at eventbrite.ca/e/inside-fraser-surrey-docks-january-23-2019-registration-53460301200.
• Open Mic Night: Jan. 25, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Kennedy Seniors Recreation Centre, 11760 88th Ave.; Singers, musicians, actors, poets and dancers are welcome to take part in this monthly variety show with emcee Patti McGregor. Admission is $5 for performers and audience, and there’s free coffee and teas. Doors open at 7 p.m. and performance starts at 7:30 pm. For more info call 604-581-6270 or 604-752-3072.
• Delta Idol: Feb. 23, 7 p.m.; Tsawwassen Arts Centre, 1172 56th Ave.; Make your way to the Tsawwassen Arts Centre to witness performances by some of Delta’s most talented youth. Tickets cost $11 at the door or over the phone at 604-943-9437. Are you the next Delta Idol? To be eligible to compete, Delta residents between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age must submit their audition by Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. For more info go to delta.ca/discover-delta/festivals-events/delta-idol.
WEEKLY AND BI-WEEKLY
• Take Off Pounds Sensibly: Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Deltassist, 9097 120th St.; A non-profit organization. We have a friendly group to help you lose weight. For more info call Diana Brinton at 778-791-1166.
• Settlement Workers – Punjabi/English: Alternate Tuesdays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; George Mackie Library; Are you a newcomer to Canada who needs help adjusting to your new life? Free and confidential services are offered to help newcomers with all their needs during the process of settling into their new community. Settlement and integration services are free for immigrants, refugees and their families in B.C.
• Recovery International Weekly Meetings: Tuesdays, 7 p.m.; North Delta Evangelical Free Church, 11300 84th Ave.; Recovery International is a weekly community-based self-help mental health group that offers tools and techniques that participants can use to deal with depression, anxiety, impulse control, anger management and a variety of other nervous and mental health issues. Meetings are led by trained group leaders.
• Bridge at East Delta Hall: Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursdays, 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; East Delta Hall, 10379 Ladner Trunk Rd.; The Duplicate Lite Bridge Clubs is conducting their games in Delta. Cost is $8 per session, including refreshments. First time players are invited to come give bridge a try. Register by emailing ljsimpson@telus.net or calling Lynda Simpson at 604-788-4721. For more info about the bridge clubs, visit duplicatelite.ca.
• Conversation Circle: Wednesdays, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.; George Mackie Library; If you are learning English and want to practice speaking with other people in a friendly, casual place, then join us on for weekly guided discussions about Canadian culture, food and current events.
• Supporting Family Resilience Group: Wednesdays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Delta office – Canadian Mental Health Association Vancouver-Fraser, 4871 Delta St.; The Canadian Mental Health Association Vancouver-Fraser offers a no-cost support group for parents and caregivers of youth and young adults who are working through mental health and/or substance use concerns. Facilitated by both peers and counsellors, the group meets weekly at our Delta office. Please register prior to your first meeting by phone: 604-943-1878, or email: info.delta@cmha.bc.ca.
• Mental Health Resiliency Support Group: Second and fourth Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; South Delta; Canadian Mental Health Association Vancouver-Fraser offers a mental health resiliency support group in South Delta for individuals living with a mental health concern or experiencing symptoms. Please call the Delta office at 604-943-1878 or email info.delta@cmha.bc.ca to register for your first meeting.
• Chronic Conditions Self-Management: Fridays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Deltassist, 9097 120th St.; Do you live with a chronic health condition? This free six-week workshop helps people living with chronic health conditions and their caregivers to better manage symptoms and activities of daily life. For more info contact Self-Management BC at 604-940-1273 or visit selfmanagementbc.ca.
• Knit & Stitch: Fridays through Dec. 28, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.; George Mackie Library; Pack up your needles and yarn and head to the library. Knitting, crocheting, quilting and weaving are fun ways to connect across generations. Join members of all ages and abilities to share ideas, techniques and good conversation.
MONTHLY
• Teen Night — Pizza & Games: Fourth Tuesday of the month, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; George Mackie Library; Do you love to play board games? Are you between 12 and 19 years old? Then come to the library for a fun night of gaming and free pizza provided by Imperial Hobbies.
• Poetry Night in Punjabi: Third Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; George Mackie Library; Come hear two published poets/authors read and discuss their work and answer questions from the audience. Held in collaboration with Kendri Punjabi Lekhak Sabha, Uttari Amrika and Punjabi Lekhak Manch – Vancouver.
• Evening Book Club: Second Tuesday of the month, 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; George Mackie Library; Join us to discuss books in a casual setting. New members are welcome. Books are provided.
• Afternoon Book Club: Fourth Thursday of the month, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; George Mackie Library; Join us to discuss books in a casual setting. New members welcome and books provided.
• Teen Advisory Group: First Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; George Mackie Library; TAG is a group of committed teens (ages 13-19) who volunteer their time and energy to help staff develop teen-oriented programs, assist at library events and act as library representatives in North Delta’s teen community. Membership is a resume booster and helps earn volunteer hours. There is time to socialize and plan. Did we mention that there is free food? If interested, apply at the library.
• Prostate Cancer Support Group Surrey: Last Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (except July and Dec.); Valley View Memorial Gardens, 14644 72 Ave., Surrey; PCSG Surrey provides awareness, support and education for the prevention, treatment and cure for men diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer in Delta, Surrey, Langley and White Rock. Spouses and guests are welcome. For additional info visit procansupport.com or call 604 574-4012.
• Crossroads United Church Monthly Community Dinner: Fourth Saturday of every month, doors open at 4:30 p.m., dinner starts at 5 p.m.; Crossroads United Church, 7655 120th St.; Crossroads United Church invites you to their monthly community dinner. Come and enjoy this free nutritious meal served in a casual, safe environment. It is a sit-down served meal and is open to anyone who would benefit from good food in a safe, family-friendly setting. For more info go to crossroads-united-church.ca.
ONGOING
• Book A Librarian in Punjabi and Hindi: Available by appointment; George Mackie Library; Learn how to download books from the library, find what you need on the library website, research and learn using the library’s computer-based services, what books you might like based on your interests, basic internet and basic computer. Book your personalized 30-minute session by phone (604-594-8155) or in person.
COMING SOON
• Storytime: Tuesdays, Jan. 8 through May 28, and Fridays, Jan. 11 through June 1, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.; George Mackie Library; Introduce kids to the love of books and language with Storytime. Children and caregivers will enjoy interactive stories, songs, rhymes and more. Storytime prepares children to learn to read. Suitable for ages 2 to 6 years.
• Lego Club: Tuesdays, Jan. 8 through May 28, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; George Mackie Library; Love Lego? We provide the Lego, you bring your imagination. Come play, create and experiment. Lego Club is a fun afternoon program for kids. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Practice English and Learn Skills for the Canadian Workplace: Wednesdays and Saturdays, beginning Jan. 9, 2 p.m. to 4:30p.m.; George Mackie Library; Meet at the library to practice English, learn workplace vocabulary, become familiar with the Canadian labour market and develop networking skills. Each session includes tips and assistance with resumé writing, job search skills, websites and Canadian workplace expectations. Taught by a TESOL-certified and experienced teacher, this program is being offered in partnership with Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society. Bonus: PICS refers students, if interested, to further education at local colleges or universities. To register, call 604-596-7722 or drop in at the library.
• Babytime: Thursdays, Jan. 10 through May 30, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.; George Mackie Library; Make language fun, and start early with Babytime. Help your baby develop speech and language skills — enjoy bouncing, singing, rhyming and stories. Babytime is a fun, social bonding activity for babies and caregivers. Suitable for babies 23 months and younger.
• Parent Time: Thursdays, Jan. 10 through May 30, 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; George Mackie Library; Relax and mingle after the fun, social bonding activity of Babytime. Parent Time provides parents and caregivers an opportunity to meet other parents, learn new parenting skills, and share information and resources. A public health nurse or guest speaker will be attending each month. Suitable for parents of babies 23 months and younger.
• Friday Philosophers’ Club: Last Friday of the month, Jan. 25 through April 26, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; George Mackie Library; Join Lara McIntyre, a local registered professional counsellor and hypnotherapist, in this moderated meet-up for anyone (no experience needed) interested in philosophical discussion. Come on the last Friday of each month to explore the meaning of life and beyond in a safe and inclusive space.
• Group Grief Support for Children: Wednesdays, Feb. 6 through March 6, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Centre for Supportive Care, 4631 Clarence Taylor Cres., Ladner; Kids Grieve Too is a group support for grieving children aged 7-12. These groups apply expressive arts and play to reduce anxiety and anger, promote healthy expression of difficult emotions, increase understanding of grief and loss, and provide support through connection with others. For more info and to pre-register, contact the Centre for Supportive Care at 604-948-0660. Program is complimentary.
• Restorative Yoga: Thursdays, Feb. 7 through March 14, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Centre for Supportive Care, 4631 Clarence Taylor Cres., Ladner; Restorative Yoga for people living with cancer can help deepen relaxation, increase flexibility and heighten breath and body awareness. Join our yoga group where body, breath and mind come together in fully supported reclining yoga positions. Yoga experience is not necessary. For more info and to pre-register, contact the Centre for Supportive Care at 604-948-0660. Program is complimentary.
• Group Grief Support for Adults: Wednesdays, Feb. 27 through April 3, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Centre for Supportive Care, 4631 Clarence Taylor Cres., Ladner; Have you recently experienced the death of a loved one? Then consider joining this safe and supportive group for bereaved adults where you will have opportunities to share with and listen to others in similar situations, and to learn to navigate your grief process. For more info and to pre-register, contact the Centre for Supportive Care at 604-948-0660. Program is complimentary.
COMMUNITY GROUPS
• Delta Scottsdale Lions Club: Second and fourth Tuesday of each month; The Lions Club is a service club that welcomes both ladies and men. If you would like to be involved in helping in your community, join us on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (not mandatory) at the Delta Golf Course. For more info call Al at 604-594-8783.
• Canadian Federation of University Women, North Delta/Surrey: CFUW is a national non-partisan, voluntary, self-funded organization working to improve the status of women and to promote human rights, public education, social justice and peace. Every year, CFUW and its clubs award close to $1 million to women to help them pursue post-secondary studies and also provide funding for library and creative arts awards. CFUW clubs provide learning and fellowship through lecture series, book clubs and issues groups, work to prevent violence against women and child poverty, and promote early learning and child care. North Delta/Surrey club meets monthly and is open to all women graduates, students and associates. Call Barb (604-594-6145) or Eleanor (604-589-3631), or email northdeltasurreycfuw@gmail.com for info.
• North Delta Newcomers and Friends: NDNF is a ladies social club. Please call and arrange to attend some of our morning walks, coffee times, stitch-and-chats, card games, par-3 golf, potlucks and monthly dinners. For more info please call Kathy (604-583-3691) or Diane (604-543-7345).
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