Literary & Literacy: word power expands in Sooke

Writers & book lovers choose a name

by Mary P. Brooke

SOOKE. March 3, 2010. Yet another organized group has been spawned in Sooke, but this one with a literary bent blended with tourism ambitions, for an exciting potential for prominence in the Sooke community landscape.

Where there was a magazine, a bookstore and a writer's support group plus many interested writers, editors, publishers, photographers and a librarian for good measure, now there is a merging as the Sooke Literary Association (SLA). All three initiating entitites remaining intact and distinct -- MapleLine Magazine, Reading Room Bookstore, and Sooke Scribblers.

"We have a common purpose," said Mary P. Brooke, who is the publisher and editor of MapleLine Magazine. "Our group can play its part in preserving the elegance and impact of the written word," said Brooke.

"I love books, so much that I opened a bookstore. In this group we see a vision of large scale literary events in Sooke that draw tourists from neighbouring towns and communities, to learn more about writing, books and publishing, and to share ideas about stories and storytelling," said Kathe Drover, owner of the Reading Room Cafe and Bookstore.

"We are keen to see where this is heading. I would like writing to be known as one of the arts (in Sooke)," said Shirley Skidmore, founder of the Sooke Scribblers support group for writers.

The Sooke Literary Association has met twice, choosing their name at their February 22 meeting. "There is a good opportunity here for personal and group development," said writer-photographer Laurie Savoie. "What I see here is love of the art of writing. Anything to do with words will happen here," said Savoie.

The core group (about 12 people so far) will meet on the 4th Monday of each month,. Various informational and education seminars will be offered for both members and the public. A larger region-wide literary event is in the game plan for 2011. MM

Local writers excited about new group

Local opportunities to explore

The Sooke Literary Association elicits excitement from local writers:

Angela Dorsey (fiction author): "I'm impressed with the range of skills - there's a lot of diversity here (among the group at the first meeting, Jan.25/10). I'd like to take advantage of all the learning opportunities, especially marketing, PR and critiquing."

Kate Woods (non-fiction author): "I see a literary fair and getting together. We need to get writing out there. Do readings. There is exposure and networking we can do."

Karen Laharty (journalist): "It's a timely group. There is pressure from automated technology (e.g. Kindle) and online. Reading the printed words on paper is important. It is art. We can share expertise among ourselves and with the community.

 

Sooke Literacy Project: more than books

by Karen Laharty

If you can read this, you’re lucky. For many Canadians, difficulty with literacy is a daily struggle. Some challenges are minimal, some extreme. Finding the right kind of help, especially in smaller and remote communities, can also prove to be a daunting task.

Legacies 2010, along with the District of Sooke, Sooke Family Resource Society, School District #62, Edward Milne Community School (EMCS) and the Vancouver Island Regional Library are pleased to announce their support for the Sooke Literacy Project that got its feet off the ground in May of 2009 with a long list of legwork to be done.

“We are so pleased to have representatives from so many local and regional areas,” says Mylene Brousseau, Literary Outreach Coordinator for East Sooke to Port Renfrew. “Literacy is such a big part of our lives and should be an easily accessible and well-grounded skill for everyone.” Sooke joins Victoria, Saanich and the west shore area in implementing the Literacy Now initiative, an interest initially submitted by the Sooke School District (SD62).

The Sooke Literacy Project uses the Learning Communities Framework, an asset-based model of community development. This internationally accepted model marries literacy with its environmentally sustainable development and social inclusion pieces. There is a strategic link between healthy individual lifestyles and healthy communities with the concept of lifelong learning as an organizing principle.

Literacy is not just being able to pick up a book and read it. It also involves the process of comprehending words and being able to put them to practical use in real world situations. As an aspect of that, the Sooke Literacy Project is offering a free course on Tuesday evenings from March 23 to April 13 on financial literacy. The course is sponsored by VanCity and is being presented by members of the Gorge/Burnside Community Association. The assistance available through these skilled individuals is invaluable.

So what is needed most for Sooke to get its feet ‘literarily’ moving? “Well, what most groups need: volunteers and money!” Brousseau laughs. “Funding has been set for the next two years but beyond then it is tough to say whether the monetary support will continue. If the program takes off like we are hoping it will then more funding will definitely be required.”

Fundraising ideas are in the works and Brousseau stressed that ideas and volunteers are most welcome. “This program is aimed at all age groups so I anticipate we will need a broad demographic in our volunteer base to choose from.”

To learn more about the Sooke Literacy Project, check out their website at www.sookeliteracy.ca or call Mylene at 250-590-0049. To register for the Money Skills Financial Literacy course, please call EMCS at 250-642-6371. Registration deadline is March 10.  MM