When we arrived in Sooke in 1972 we found a community that was proud of its friendly volunteer way of life. We were made welcome and found it easy to join in and be a part of.
The first All Sooke Day in 1934 celebrated community growth and raised funds for lumber to build the new community hall. The logging show became world famous with large crowds attending.
Clam chowder, baron of beef and games gave something for everyone to enjoy, adding to the festival atmosphere of the day. The logging show became known worldwide drawing large crowds. It was sponsored by the community association that worked tirelessly to make it happen. We didn’t always agree on how things should be done but worked out these various opinions without attacking individual personalities.
Now, we have an elected mayor and council and it seems we have turned into critics attacking everything they do, even to the point of being quite nasty about it. We did elect them to run our community, which is growing. Hopefully growth will attract new businesses, giving employment to residents and students needing part time jobs.
We have a right to attend council meetings and voice our opinions, ask questions and keep informed on any issues we are concerned about.
Let’s take a few steps back and show respect and caring for those who govern Sooke. We can make newcomers feel this is really home and a community they want to become an active part of. “Welcome to Sooke” can be an ongoing reality as it was for us,
Martha Moore
Sooke