Community

Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre will reopen Feb. 1 after a nearly 10-month closure to curb the spread of COVID-19. (Black Press Media file photo)

Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre gears up for safe reopening in Victoria

Recreation facility opens Feb. 1 with reservation system to prevent crowding

  • Jan 22, 2021
The Sooke School District raised more than $18,000 for the Goldstream and Sooke food banks from the funds of 10,000 Tonight in December 2020. The funds go two- to 2.5-times further due to the buying power of the food banks. (Black Press Media file photo)

SD62 high school students raise more than $18,000 for food banks

Edward Milne in Sooke rakes in $11,000 alone

Reader’s Lens The surf’s up at Whiffin Spit. Joan Stiebel snapped this photo on a recent windy day in Sooke. To submit a photo to Reader’s Lens, please email editor@sookenewsmirror.com. (Contributed photo)

Reader’s Lens

Reader’s Lens The surf’s up at Whiffin Spit. Joan Stiebel snapped this…

  • Jan 21, 2021
Sooke’s Edward Milne Community School raised more than $11,000 for 10,000 Tonight, the annual event that usually collects non-perishables for the Sooke Food Bank. This year, the school only accepted online donations and held an online auction. (Black Press Media file photo)

Sooke school crushes 10,000 Tonight goal, raises $11,000 for Sooke Food Bank

Online auction replaces collection of food items

Sooke’s Edward Milne Community School raised more than $11,000 for 10,000 Tonight, the annual event that usually collects non-perishables for the Sooke Food Bank. This year, the school only accepted online donations and held an online auction. (Black Press Media file photo)
James Summer, the City of Victoria’s new youth poet laureate. (Courtesy City of Victoria)

Slam poetry expert introduced as Victoria’s new youth poet laureate

Vic High alum James Summer will serve in the role for 2021

  • Jan 21, 2021
James Summer, the City of Victoria’s new youth poet laureate. (Courtesy City of Victoria)
(Pixabay)

Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce welcomes new board

More directors added to board

(Pixabay)
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The objectives of the Vancouver Island Down Syndrome Society include peer support for parents and caregivers, as well as developing support services, projects, educational and employment opportunities for people with Down Syndrome. Photo supplied.

Vancouver Island Down Syndrome Society offers support for families in the community

New non-profit seeking directors in cities across Vancouver Island

The objectives of the Vancouver Island Down Syndrome Society include peer support for parents and caregivers, as well as developing support services, projects, educational and employment opportunities for people with Down Syndrome. Photo supplied.
Stair care in Colwood Colwood Coun. Michael Baxter says Latoria Creek Park is now more enjoyable and safe to take a stroll through due to the latest upgrades completed on the staircase. Four long sets of nature stairs now include slip-proof metal steps. The elevated staircase also allows for better air flow to slow the rotting process, and metal handrails to prevent splinters. (Aaron Guillen/News Staff)

Colwood unveils massive upgrade to popular park staircase

Upgrades include slip-proof metal steps, metal handrails and raised design

Stair care in Colwood Colwood Coun. Michael Baxter says Latoria Creek Park is now more enjoyable and safe to take a stroll through due to the latest upgrades completed on the staircase. Four long sets of nature stairs now include slip-proof metal steps. The elevated staircase also allows for better air flow to slow the rotting process, and metal handrails to prevent splinters. (Aaron Guillen/News Staff)
OPINION SIG

SOOKE HISTORY: From war bride to a cheery neighbourhood friend

Joan Banner died Jan. 13

  • Jan 18, 2021
OPINION SIG
The good news is that to make impressive fitness improvements, you do not need to exercise two hours a day or every day. (Pixabay photo)

RON CAIN: How to make wise choices to achieve weight loss

A balanced exercise program includes strength, stamina and suppleness training

  • Jan 18, 2021
The good news is that to make impressive fitness improvements, you do not need to exercise two hours a day or every day. (Pixabay photo)
The Sooke Lions Business Directory has arrived and ready for distribution in the community this week. Ready for delivery are Sooke Harbourside Lions president Joanne Payment and Sooke Lions Club members Al Beddows, centre, and Jim Bailey. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke Lions Business Directory delivered to homes this week

Booklet includes business directory, telephone book and events calendar

The Sooke Lions Business Directory has arrived and ready for distribution in the community this week. Ready for delivery are Sooke Harbourside Lions president Joanne Payment and Sooke Lions Club members Al Beddows, centre, and Jim Bailey. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)
Willow, a kitten belonging to a Victoria family, was rescued by firefighters on Thursday after she got stuck in a basement drain pipe. (City of Victoria/Twitter)

Victoria kitten stuck in basement drain pipe rescued by firefighters

Willow the cat on the mend, owner feeling ‘enormous gratitude’

Willow, a kitten belonging to a Victoria family, was rescued by firefighters on Thursday after she got stuck in a basement drain pipe. (City of Victoria/Twitter)
Seattle Mariners field coordinator Carson Vitale before a game at T-Mobile Park during the 2020 season. Vitale, who grew up in Victoria, has pledged to run 10 miles a day for 2021 and to donate 50 cents per mile to the United Way of King County. (Ben Van Houten/Seattle Mariners)

Mariners coach running 10 miles a day for United Way

Saanich-raised Carson Vitale, Seattle Mariners field coordinator, plans to run 3,650 miles in 2021

Seattle Mariners field coordinator Carson Vitale before a game at T-Mobile Park during the 2020 season. Vitale, who grew up in Victoria, has pledged to run 10 miles a day for 2021 and to donate 50 cents per mile to the United Way of King County. (Ben Van Houten/Seattle Mariners)
Trish and Steve Connor of Deep Cove are stoking a friendly competition among neighbourhoods with the help of NextDoor app to help raise money for the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

North Saanich entrepeneurs issue online challenge to help local food bank

Trish and Chris Connor use NextDoor app to raise funds for Saanich Lions Peninsula Food Bank

Trish and Steve Connor of Deep Cove are stoking a friendly competition among neighbourhoods with the help of NextDoor app to help raise money for the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)
Bob Joseph, author of 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act, will be available for a Q&A through the Vancouver Island Regional Library Jan. 28. (Courtesy of Vancouver Island Regional Library)

Q&A on the Indian Act with Bob Joseph open to Greater Victoria residents

Bob Joseph is the author of 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act

Bob Joseph, author of 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act, will be available for a Q&A through the Vancouver Island Regional Library Jan. 28. (Courtesy of Vancouver Island Regional Library)
Bestselling author Bob Joseph is being featured at a Q & A about the Indian Act, in partnership with Vancouver Island Regional Library. The virtual event takes place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 28. (Courtesy of Vancouver Island Regional Library)

Indigenous author explains Indian Act

Bob Joseph to join free virtual event on Jan. 28 at 2 p.m.

Bestselling author Bob Joseph is being featured at a Q & A about the Indian Act, in partnership with Vancouver Island Regional Library. The virtual event takes place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 28. (Courtesy of Vancouver Island Regional Library)
Forest ecologist Andy MacKinnon is the guest speaker at the Jan. 27 meeting of the Sooke Garden Club. (Contributed)

SOOKE GARDEN CLUB: Fabulous plants and their fungal friends

Fungi expert Andy MacKinnon is the guest speaker at the next Sooke Garden Club meeting

  • Jan 14, 2021
Forest ecologist Andy MacKinnon is the guest speaker at the Jan. 27 meeting of the Sooke Garden Club. (Contributed)
Sooke’s Jim Bottomley is among a handful of futurists based in Canada. “I want to help people understand the future of humanity.” (Aaron Guillen - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke man reveals how he made a living predicting the future

63-year-old has worked with politicians, car brands, and cosmetic companies

Sooke’s Jim Bottomley is among a handful of futurists based in Canada. “I want to help people understand the future of humanity.” (Aaron Guillen - Sooke News Mirror)
(Pixabay photo)

COLUMN: Healthy aging for an active retirement

What is healthy aging supposed to look like?

  • Jan 11, 2021
(Pixabay photo)
George Roberts, 95, published his second and third books of poetry amid the pandemic. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)

Saanich senior turned to poetry in 2020, published two books of limericks at 94 years old

George Roberts celebrated his 95th birthday on Dec. 31, 2020

George Roberts, 95, published his second and third books of poetry amid the pandemic. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)