BREAKING NEWS: ARCHIVE for Dec. 2009 Bi-weekly Sooke ENews pages | Back to Current News
News & Business
December 2009
Current news:
Dec.31.
New Year's Eve will feature a blue moon (the second full moon in any
given calendar month).
NASA website.
Dec.26. The federal government has ordered Transport Canada and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority to assume a heightened state of vigilance following a foiled terrorism attempt today on a US-bound Northwest Airlines flight. Under new rules, passengers on US-bound flights will be searched twice, limited to one piece of carry-on luggage, and must remain seated during the final hour of the flight. Globe and Mail - Dec.26/09 | Transport Security Administration (USA)
Dec.25. By the leadership of US President Barack Obama, 30 million more Americans have health care coverage amidst sweeping changes in the US health care system and medical insurance market. A vote held Dec.24 in the US Senate (Democrats 60, Republicans 39) paves the way for these changes. Globe and Mail - Dec.24/09
Dec.25. Calm and peaceful, no snow in sight on Christmas Day in Sooke. Bright, sunny, clear skies, still winds (NE 10km/h at 12 noon), 5 degrees Celcius (1 pm), 0% probability of precipitation.
Dec.24. Conservation zones where whales can feed on chinook salmon without intrusion from boats have been proposed by some US researchers. Times Colonist - Dec.24/09.
Dec.22. Over 40 volunteers gathered at Sooke Community Hall this morning to help sort donated food into 415 hampers for the Sooke Christmas Bureau / Food Bank which will provide the hampers to registered individuals and families on Dec.23. Story.
Dec.21. Homebuyers are in for another hit if the federal government imposes requirements for higher down-payments and shorter mortgage periods. Economists are saying this will backfire. See Globe and Mail - Dec.21/09.
Dec.20. The first annual Nutcracker in a Nutshell dance performance played to a full house on Sun. Dec.20 at the Sooke Community Theatre, with proceeds from tickets, bake sale and silent auction to the Sooke Family Resource Centre. (Show also ran Sat. Dec.19.) Performance review.
Dec.19. Hundreds of bags of donated food were collected by the Sooke and Otter Point firefighters in decorated vehicles on Sat. night, Dec.19, for delivery to the Sooke Food Bank. Looks good on the generous residents of Sooke. Story.
Dec.19 to 28. The Festival of Trees -- a fundraiser for the BC Children's Hospital -- is on display in Sooke at SEAPARC and CASA. Submit your donation ballot up to 5 pm, December 28. Story.
Dec.18. A set of five solar lights has been installed on the Sooke boardwalk on a trial basis by the District of Sooke. If the lights perform as designed, the entire boardwalk will be lighted using the solar powered lights made by HBM Canada Manufacturing Ltd. of Sooke.
Dec.16. Ocean floor samples from along the Pacific coast (that may provide clues to climate change going back 12,000 years) will be retrieved by the School of Environment and Sustainability at Royal Roads University. The research will be funded in part by the Canada Foundation for Innovation which today awarded $175,875 to support the research headed by assistant professor Audrey Dallimore.
Dec.15. A strategic plan with 15 top priorities for 2009-2011 was issued today by the District of Sooke. Priorities include an alternative highway route, sewer expansion, construction of Waterview Street and pier, developing a climate action plan, and relocation of the municipal centre into town centre. See District release.
Dec.14. A climate change candlelight vigil was held Saturday night (Dec.12) in Sooke, as part of a worldwide effort during the international Copenhagen Climate talks this past weekend. Organized by Transition Towns. Local Sooke story.
Dec.13 & 14. First snowfall of this winter season -- light flurries that melted quickly.
Dec.12. The Queen Charlotte Islands off the north coast of BC will be renamed Haida Gwaii under the terms of a reconciliation agreement signed yesterday with the Haida Nation. The Haida will have revenue-sharing on future resource development in the region.
Dec.11. Nine SD62 school buses were vandalized overnight, causing families to make other arrangements for delivering their children to schools in Sooke in the morning [Sooke morning bus route]. Service was restored for the regular 1:45 pm school dismissal [Sooke Friday afternoon bus route]. Story and photos.
Dec.10. The Sooke Harbour Chamber of Commerce changed its official name to the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce by a unanimous vote of members present at the organization's annual general meeting (AGM) held Thursday evening, Dec.10. Other changes included reducing the term of office of President, Vice-President and Past President to one year each instead of two. The Treasurer and Secretary will still serve for two years, with elections in alternate years. The incoming president for 2010 is Todd Olynyk, manager of the local RBC branch in Sooke. Past President is now Gwen Fisher of Pure Elements Spa. The incoming vice-president is Rose Dumont. The fiscal year for the Chamber was adjusted from a Nov.1 start, to a fiscal year that will now commence Jan.1, coinciding with the term of elected executive.
Dec.8. The District of Sooke held its 10th anniversary celebration in Council Chambers last night, Dec.7. Attended by councillors past and present, staff, and other community leaders, it was a significant evening for Mayor Janet Evans who has been mayor since the 1999 incorporation of the District. Story and photos.
Dec.7. "You keep coming back in spite of getting your head knocked into the sidewalk every day," said MLA John Horgan of what he sees as the unwavering commitment of medical doctors in Sooke, at a lunch hour meeting of health and social services professionals plus District staff, the Mayor, local educators and service agencies. The well-attended meeting was hosted at the District Council chambers by the Pacific Centre Family Services organization. Story.
Dec.5. Under bright skies and very little wind, though near-freezing
temperatures, the 1st annual
Sooke Spirit Fest
was held today in town centre. The parade at 2:30 pm, tree lightup ceremony at 4:30 pm, and lighted sailpast in the harbour
(viewable to the public from town centre, Ed Macgregor Park and Whiffen
Spit) at 5:00 pm drew large crowds. There was an activity area with
refreshments in town centre.
Photo contest (submit
your pics to Dec.23 to win restaurant prizes). Sponsored decorated trees on display at SEAPARC (2168 Phillips Rd.) and
CASA (Townsend Rd.) to Dec.28.
Background. |
Photos of Dec.5 event. |
Parade report.
Dec.4. Older workers are offered another employment search program through WorkLink, this one -- called Prime Time -- starts in Jan.2010. Story.
Dec.3. The federal government is one step closer to introducing legislation that would enable BC and Ontario to impose the HST in 2010. See HST digest.
Dec.1. The Sooke Economic Development Commission (SEDC) has a new composition, eliminating the appointment of a District of Sooke councillor. The 7-member group which guides business issues in the Sooke area, will have 1 Chamber of Commerce appointee, one CRD appointee, and 5 members of the public (business community). District funding of $27,175 will now go directly to the Sooke Harbour Chamber of Commerce each year, instead of being routed through SEDC.
Dec.1. The average house sale price in Sooke was $416,548 in November (compared to $617,987 for the Greater Victoria area). Condos averaged $263,333 in Sooke and townhomes sold on average for $369,680. The Greater Victoria Real Estate Board reported 604 homes and other properties were sold in Greater Victoria last month, up more than 125% from the 268 sales in November last year. There were 35 property sales in Sooke last month. MLS stats: www.vreb.org
ARCHIVE NOVEMBER 2009: click here
ARCHIVE OCTOBER 2009: click here
ARCHIVE SEPTEMBER 2009: click here
Send comments and news releases to: editor@maplelinemagazine.com
Arts & Community Events
December 2009
Events Hotlist:
COMING EVENTS - JANUARY 2010:
Polar Bear Swim. Fri. Jan. 1. 12 noon. Annual Polar Bear Swim. Register by 11:30 am that day at Whiffen Spit. Sponsored by the Otter Point Volunteer Fire Department Association.
Free Fire and Life Safety training. Wed. Jan.27. Sessions last 60 to 90 minutes depending on topic. Offered by the Sooke Fire Dept. to area residents and businesses on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Topic and evening time for the Wed. Jan.27 session tba.
Journalism
Workshop Series - Thurs. Jan.28. 7:00 to 9:30 pm.
The 4th workshop of this 9-month program will be held Thurs. Jan.28 (7:00 to 9:30 pm) at Sooke Harbour House. The evening's topic will be about writing about business and financial issues. Pre-registration required ($599.95+gst for remainder of academic year; pay monthly as required; late registrations accepted to Jan.18, 2010). This is a career development program suitable for young adults (17+) and working adults who want to build a portfolio in CP Style, get articles published, and receive a completion certificate. See more information and registration form.
ARCHIVE (Oct.09): click here
ARCHIVE (July to Sept.09): click here
ARCHIVE (Oct-Nov.09):
Sooke Harbour Chamber of Commerce - accepting nominations for Directors on their board (two positions were open to November 27). Chamber office 250-642-6112.
Sooke Harbour House ECO FASHION SHOW as part of "Christmas in November Art and Craft Show" - Nov.27. Sooke Harbour House presents a special Eco Fashion Show as part of their Christmas in November Art and Craft show. Fri.Nov.27. Featuring second-hand garments, artists created apparel, and recycled material clothing. Sale proceeds to Transition House. Cover charge $10. Story.
Sooke Harbour Chamber of Commerce - regular monthly Directors Meeting - Tues. Dec.1. 12 noon at Village Food Markets upstairs meeting room. If wanting lunch ($10), RSVP by noon on Mon. Nov.30.
Christmas Art Show & Sale - Members Party Dec.1. 7 pm. Members' party Dec.1 at Little Vienna Bakery; tickets $15. Contact Marion for tickets: 250-642-6411. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: artworks for sale (by members of the Sooke Community Arts Council) at Little Vienna Bakery, during store hours Nov.24-Dec.24. Story.
Career Training Venture - Dec. 2. A presentation about MapleLine's new journalism training program. A presentation to the Sooke Rotary Club membership, by Mary P. Brooke, publisher/editor of MapleLine Magazine. At the weekly Sooke Rotary lunch meeting, Village Food Markets.
Vancouver Island Regional Library (SOOKE) strategic planning process - Thurs. Dec. 3. ~ 7 pm. A public meeting for input to a common vision for the public, library board and staff. In the upstairs meeting room at Village Food Markets. For info contact Rusi Jokhi at 250-642-3022.
Sooke Spirit Fest. Sat. Dec.5. Parade, festivities and sailpast. Story and photos.
District of Sooke 10th Anniversary. Mon. Dec.7. 7:00 pm. 10th anniversary celebration of the incorporation of the District of Sooke. Location: District of Sooke Council Chamber, 2205 Otter Point Rd.
Sooke Literacy Project Book Drive. Dec.8 & 9. Collecting books for redistribution within Sooke through their Book Bin project. Books can be dropped off on Dec.8 & 9 at CASA, Holy Trinity Church, or any of the elementary, middle or highschools in Sooke. www.sookeliteracy.ca
Sooke Harbour Chamber of Commerce - Annual General Meeting (AGM). Thurs. Dec.10. 4:00 pm. AGM including bylaw amendments and election of two new Directors to the board (nominations closed November 27). At Sooke Ocean Resort, 6669 Horne Rd. All Chamber members welcome. Bring a donation for the Food Bank.
Journalism
Workshop Series - Thurs. Dec.10.
The third workshop of this 9-month program was held Thurs. Dec.10 (7:00 to 9:30 pm) at The Reading Room Cafe, 6660 Sooke Rd. The evening's topic was writing about health issues. This is a career development program suitable for young adults (17+) and working adults who want to build a portfolio in CP Style, get articles published, and receive a completion certificate. See more information and registration form.
Canadian Authors Association (CAA) - 89th annual conference ~ CanWrite! 2010 - Victoria. Early bird deadline, Dec.15, 2009. Applying Technology to Writing - June 24 to 27, 2010. Harbour Towers Hotel, Victoria, BC. Early bird registration deadline Tues. Dec.15, 2009. Members $255, potential members $295. Registration form and info.
John Horgan, MLA - Holiday gathering. Mon. Dec.14 ~ 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Constituency office holiday gathering. 800 Goldstream, Langford. No RSVP required.
Dr. Keith Martin, MP - Holiday gathering. Tues. Dec.15 ~ 12 noon to 3 pm. Constituency office holiday gathering. 666 Granderson, Langford. No RSVP required. Bring a donation for the Goldstream Food Bank or clean, good quality winter clothing for 'Our Place'.
Coffee and music with Gord Phillips at Serious Coffee, 6661 Sooke Road. Thurs. Dec.17. 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Local singer-songwriter Gord Phillips performed at the Serious Coffee shop in Sooke.
Logging industry discussion and book reading at The Reading Room Cafe, 6660 Sooke Road. Thurs. Dec.17. 7 pm. Author Richard Mackie read from his book Mountain Timber and led a discussion.
Food Collection ~ Santa Run. Sat. Dec. 19. The Sooke and Otter Point Fire Departments collected food for the Sooke Food Bank, starting at 5 pm, Sat. Dec.19. Santa Run routes were listed on specially marked grocery bags available with the Dec.16 Sooke News Mirror. Bags filled with non-perishable food items were pickup by the firefighters. Bags may also be dropped off at the Sooke Fire Station, 2225 Otter Point Rd.
Nutcracker in a Nutshell. Sat. Dec.19 (5 pm) & Sun. Dec.20 (2 pm). Dance performance by students of the Sooke Dance Studio. At Sooke Community Theatre (Edward Milne Community School). Tickets $12 adults, $8 children. www.sookedancestudio.com [Performance review.]
A Grace-ful Christmas. Sun. Dec.20, 3 pm. Renaissance, traditional and Medieval Christmas music. Voice, cello and guitar performance by Grace~Notes. At Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 1962 Murray Rd., Sooke. Admission by donation.
Christmas bureau - Tues. Dec.22 and Wed. Dec.23. Tues. Dec.22 at Sooke Community Hall and/or help with deliveries on Wed. Dec.23. Volunteers made it happen. Story.
Sooke Harbour House - resumes regular hours for the holiday season Dec.24. Sooke Harbour House has been on "winter hours" Oct. 6 through to Dec. 23 (restaurant closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays), heading back to regular hours on Thurs. Dec. 24 for the Christmas-through-New Year's period.
Boxing Day connection with Inner Wisdom - Sat. Dec.26. 10 am to 12 noon. Cedona Holly will be at the Farmer's Daughter food market and cafe (6631 Sooke Rd) on Sat. Dec.26, 10 am to 12 noon. Sessions 30 min ($20) or 60 min ($40). Call to book: 250-642-1060. Email: sunyata333@shaw.ca .
New Year's Eve parties. Thurs. Dec.31. New year's eve 2010 for pub-style party-goers in Sooke can be found at: Buffy's Pub, Mulligan's Bar and Grill, 17 Mile House Pub, and Sooke River Hotel.
Soul Shakers New Year's Dance. Thurs. Dec.31. New year's eve 2010 featuring the Soul Shakers, starting 8 pm at the Langford Legion Main Hall, tickets $30 incl. champagne toast, deli trays, prizes. Tickets at the door or phone 250-217-9307. Proceeds to Angel Flights BC which provides accessible air travel for people who must travel for medical reasons.
Sooke Leaders
Holiday Greetings
Event backgounders | Lost & Found
Health, Food & Environment
Dec. 2009 - Jan.2010
Awareness & being involved.
Top Nine of '09 - health and science stories of 2009, as announced on CBC TV News, Dec.22: 1. Discovery of 'Ardi' (the oldest human skeleton), filling in some blanks in understanding human evolution. 2. H1N1 for instigating a 'successful dry run' in handling a flu pandemic. 3.Genome analysis of 50 types of cancer, with three (breast, lung and skin) being announced so far. 4. Vitamin D promoted as highly necessary for human health, especially in the northern hemisphere where lack of adequate exposure to sunshine is unavoidable. 5. Water on the moon is discovered by NASA. 6. Twitter reaches critical mass with 25 million users. 7. Three Canadian astronauts went into space this year. 8. Diabetes-related stem cell research at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto makes progress in understanding a cure. 9. Discovery of an Alzheimer's gene by University of California researchers.
Dec.22/09. Add this enzyme to fried foods to prevent cancer? Health Canada seeks public input regarding the proposed addition of asparaginase to foods that are known to contain the carcinogenic asparagine amino acid. Asparaginase is an enzyme that hydrolyses asparagine, neutralizing its cancer-inciting properties. The enzyme would be added to foods fried at high temperature such as bread and potatoes. Input by the Feb.21, 2010 deadline may be submitted by email. | Health Canada info page. | CBC news story
Sooke Food CHI - Activity planning for 2010 ~ Wed. Jan. 13. 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Directional planning meeting. Bring potluck (optional). At Village Food Markets (upstairs meeting room).
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Holiday season Drop-In Yoga sessions at 5 and 7 pm on Tuesday nights in December. Also - Reiki sessions by donation for the month of December. Call Kathryn at 250-642-4372. www.yogakat.ca
ARCHIVE (December 2009)
Sooke Consciousness Cafe - Thurs. Dec. 3. ~ 7 pm. Open to everyone. Discuss ideas and what makes life tick (in general and in Sooke). Tonight: presentation by Transition Towns. At the Reading Room Cafe, 6661 Sooke Rd (Evergreen Centre).
Awareness Film Night - Wed. Dec. 16. ~ 7 pm. Admission by donation to watch the American 2009 film Rethink Afghanistan. Followed by discussion, with Dr. Keith Martin, MP. At EMCS, 6218 Sooke Rd.
The Birds of Esquimalt Lagoon - Wed. Dec. 16. ~ 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Free public info session on wildlife refuge areas with Canadian Wildlife Service staff and a slide show presentation by bird expert Ann Nightingale. In the Mews Conference Centre, Room 110, Royal Roads Univ., 2005 Sooke Rd. Refreshments. www.elsi.ca
ARCHIVE NOVEMBER 2009: click here
ARCHIVE (summer-fall 2009): click here