A GRINCH CHRISTMAS … There are a few Grinches living in Sooke.
As the district celebrated the light up of the town centre, not many were fond of the so-called Charlie Brown Christmas tree placed in the centre of the roundabout.
As quick as you could say Facebook, social media was on fire with negative comments about the tree. Several called the tree a disgrace, others were more polite and used a Charlie Brown reference.
Still, many don’t seem to get it.
The Christmas tree idea was first floated by Mayor Maja Tait in late summer when council was discussing decorating the town centre for the holidays. She said the roundabout needed a tree. Most agreed.
The tree was donated to the district, and the spirit of Christmas giving was alive and well. Or so we thought.
Yet, it’s hard to accept many people’s attitudes towards the tree.
It’s a darn fine tree and one we should all be proud of. And yes, it’s not perfect, but it kind of grows on you.
Charlie Brown Christmas tree? You bet – and let’s embrace it for what it represents.
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OFF TO RETIREMENT … District of Sooke Coun. Kerrie Reay is calling it a career.
Reay, who has been with B.C. Corrections for more than 30 years, will retire on Dec. 17.
But don’t think she’ll be taking it easy in retirement.
She takes her turn as acting mayor in January and February and will make herself available three or four days a week at Municipal Hall.
Congrats, Kerrie.
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SPEAKING UP … This town’s Fred Jones, a founding member of the Sooke Harbour Toastmasters, was honoured at the fall conference by the Toastmasters of B.C. as Toastmaster of The Year for District 21.
The selection committee chose Fred from almost 3,000 members for his tireless work for Toastmasters and in particular for his leadership of the youth leadership program.
The Youth Leadership Program encourages young people between the ages of 8 and 17 to enhance their communication skills, increase their self-confidence, by learning the art of public speaking.
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FOREST ART … Ten-year-old Tessa Wirtanen, 10, won an honourable mention in the recent Association of B.C. Forest Professionals’ and the Truck Loggers Association’s National Forest Week art contest.
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Kevin Laird is editor of the Sooke News Mirror. He can reached by email at klaird@blackpress.ca or by phone at 250-642-5752.