Delta Optimist - November 13, 2010

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Tax hike for transit? TransLink in search of funding sources

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Glowing reviews

Tsawwassen shoppers share experiences in BIA contest

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No ‘Break’ in sight

Band making local stop on cross-country tour

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Optimist

Familiar territory

Delta

Newsstand 50¢

24

Ice Hawks new head coach played junior in Ladner

Lest we forget

YOUR SOURCE FOR LOCAL SPORTS, NEWS, WEATHER AND ENTERTAINMENT! WWW.DELTA-OPTIMIST.COM The Voice of Delta since 1922 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2010

See Page 22

Celebrating the life of Edgar Dunning PHOTO BY

CHUNG CHOW

Rev. Jim Short (left), Brianna Darlington, Dorothy Nielson and Susan Darlington sing at the celebration of life ceremony for Edgar Dunning yesterday at the South Delta Baptist Church in Tsawwassen. The celebration was a fitting send off for the personable Dunning, whose life was remembered with stories which brought laugher. A concert band played several tunes Dunning had previously said he’d like to hear at his memorial service. Short described him as a true renaissance man. Mayor Lois Jackson said he will be missed. The longtime newsman and historian died Oct. 23. He was 100. Dunning, whose family started the Optimist in 1922, was a former president of the Delta Board of Trade as well as helping found groups like the Delta Historical and Museum Society, Kinsmen Club of Ladner and the Delta Community Band Society. Dunning, a beloved Delta storyteller, received numerous awards during his life, including the first Freedom of the Municipality in 2004.

Berner gets 2.5-year sentence

Prison term, which will be appealed, handed out for her role in 2008 crash that killed Alexa Middelaer JESSICA KERR

jkerr@delta-optimist.com

Carol Berner was sentenced to two and a half years behind bars Friday afternoon but could be out on bail in the coming days after her lawyer launches an appeal Monday. Just minutes after Berner was led away in handcuffs her lawyer, David Tarnow, announced that he will be filing an appeal first thing Monday morning. Judge Peder Gulbransen handed down the sentence in Surrey

Provincial court. Berner was convicted in July of impaired driving causing death, impaired driving causing bodily harm, dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm in the May 17, 2008 crash that killed four-yearold Alexa Middelaer and injured her aunt Daphne Johanson. Alexa and her aunt had been feeding a horse in the 4300-block of 64th Street in East Ladner when a car driven by Berner plowed into them. The little girl was fatally wounded and died

Christmas Light Installation

later at B.C. Children’s Hospital. Johanson was seriously injured, underwent extensive surgery, spent four weeks in hospital and several months in a wheelchair. The Crown had asked for a three to five year sentence with a five to seven year driving ban. The defense asked for a suspended sentence that could be served in the community. Addressing the court on Monday, Berner said, “If there was anything I could do or say to take away your pain, I would. All I can do is take responsibility for

my actions.” There was a brief delay in the proceedings when, after finishing her statement, Berner had a severe panic attack. The courtroom was cleared and after some time, Berner was led from the courtroom by a supporter. It was an emotional day for all as members of Alexa Middelaer’s family read out victim impact statements. Laurel Middelaer told a packed courtroom that she is still haunted by what she witnessed that day.

Carol Berner

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