Sooke Talks returns on Friday, Nov. 8 from 7 to 9 pm to showcase a third fractal of the fascinating people living in our midst.

Some are familiar faces locally, others less so. All are donating their time for the latest in a series of special fundraising evenings on behalf of an ambitious renovation program for the Sooke Community Theatre at Edward Milne Community School. The plan calls for new seating, lighting and sound system upgrades for a 25-year old space that has served Sooke well over the years.

Introducing Sooke Talks #3 speakers in alphabetical order:

• Bob Whittet and Fred Andrew: Rediscover the rhythm of life with Bob, former principal of Saseenos Elementary and mainstay with the Sooke Philharmonic, and his sidekick in the jazz/folk duo Fine Brew.
• Dr. Chris Bryant: This Sooke dentist is an unsung environmental hero for his work in reducing industrial mercury pollution. His interactive presentation will show how careful thought, persistence and meaningful social interaction can tackle seemingly insurmountable problems.
• Doug Dalquist: During his four-decade career as a mountaineering guide and instructor, Doug scaled Everest, K2, Alaska’s Mount Denali (five times) and Canada’s highest peak, Mt. Logan. He’ll speak about his life’s many climbs, notably his remarkable recovery in recent years from Parkinson’s disease.
• Hannah Dahmer: Art is a guiding passion for this 15-year-old EMCS student and member of the chorus line in last year’s school production of Mamma Mia! Hannah has been sharing and teaching the love as a coach with the Amber Academy Youth Fine Arts Society.
• Kimberly Anderson: A long-time volunteer with Canada Day and the Sooke Fall Fair, Kimberly is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who specializes in anxiety, trauma, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. She’ll speak about her own struggles and share the coping tools she uses with her clients.
• Tanya Darling, Linda Green Abraham, Linda Gordon and Frederique Philip: Four muses from the Sooke Arts Council will read poetic selections from the SAC’s latest anthology, Art and Word.
• Tyler Johnson-Grant: Our MC and final speaker is a Class of 2013 EMCS grad with an English-Ojibway cultural background. He will share his poetic tale of the essential journey between heart and mind. Enrolled in Camosun College’s Indigenous Family Support Program, Tyler will soon be working as an educational assistant with local high-school students.

The evening is co-presented by the EMCS Society and Sooke Harbour Toastmasters. $15 tickets will be available at the door and in advance at the Stick in the Mud Coffeehouse and the EMCS Society office at the school. Tickets are also available online.

Come early and mingle in the lobby beforehand. Our thanks to the many local merchants who are making generous donations to our concession stand and the silent auction table. Special thanks for these components of the evening to our superstar volunteer Rosanne Day, technical coordinator Frank Antonsen, front-of-house manager Roger Temple and Toastmasters’ team of mentor coaches.

About the Co-Presenters

Sooke Harbour Toastmasters is part of a worldwide network of local and international groups that provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills through public speaking. That results in greater self-confidence and personal growth. All are welcome to drop-in to weekly Wednesday night meetings from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Sooke Hospice, 6669 Goodmere Road.

EMCS Society Programs is the link between Sooke’s community school and a wide range of individuals and organizations in the region that utilize school facilities. Society staff manage the Community Theatre, host the annual Play & Learn Summer Camp, offer continuing-education and job skills programs, and oversee both the Sooke Region Literacy Project and the Sooke Makerspace.