ABOUT US
A musician, a farmer and a stonemason walk into a bar ... well they did. OK, it was a coffee bar, but still. In fact, they walked into the Stick every day. All retired, they would meet at the Stick for local gossip, political discussions and friendly banter. It was a ritual, one they hated to miss.
But on April 15th, they found out the Stick would close its doors in July.
​They were devastated, not able to imagine this same group finding each other at any other coffee shop. They looked at each other and said NO WAY, we have to DO something.
​Now, none of the three amigos could afford to simply buy the Stick. But then they had this crazy idea. What if the community itself bought the Stick? So many Sookies have a story to tell about a person they met there, a great gathering, or just memories of happy hours chatting with locals and advising tourists about the best places to see. What if they all came together to keep the legacy of the Stick alive?
​That was April 15th. By April 25th emails had been sent out to the BC Cooperative Association, Vancity had been contacted, and a public meeting at the library had determined there was enough interest to pursue this idea.​
The original 3 has now become a 6 person steering committee with, thankfully, a couple of business owners bringing their experience to the table. And just 8 weeks from that fateful news of the impending closure, the Sooke Community Investment Cooperative has been incorporated.​
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WENDY O'CONNOR
President
Wendy has been a dedicated customer at the Stick in the Mud since her move to Sooke in 2008 after 42 years with the Canadian Forces as a full time musician. She counts serving on the Harmony Project Sooke board, work with Sooke Transition Town Society, the lead in Zero Waste Sooke and performing for Ayre Manor residents among her volunteer work. Wendy believes in promoting teamwork, has strong interpersonal skills and works to keep morale up wherever she goes. Wendy is a wife, mother, grandmother, volunteer and butler to the family pets.
SHADLEY TAYLOR
Vice President
With a profound passion for community service and an extensive background in health and economic management and strategic planning, Shadley Taylor has dedicated over a quarter-century to developing strategies that rejuvenate communities and support vital social services. Thrilled to be part of this dynamic team set up to support an iconic meeting place.
RAYMONA SUTTON
Director
Raymona served 32 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as a musician and operations manager and administrator, managing up to 200 people on tour around the world. She moved to Sooke mid 2018, and has fallen in love with this community and it's natural beauty. Raymona is passionate about animals and of course, loves a good Vosino latte!
KAREN SHARLOW
Secretary
ALEX ALLISON
Director
Alex brings a passion for community-directed organization to his role on the board. Alex has over a decade of experience working in corporate marketing on campaigns for some of the world’s largest brands. A relative newcomer to Sooke, Alex enjoys getting outdoors with his husband and two dogs, photography, and being wildly mediocre at rock climbing.
JIM MEUNIER
Director
Jim is a retired masonry contractor and also a long time coffee drinker. His godmother moved to Sooke in 1969. His family has been visiting Sooke ever since. He moved to town in 2003 and did most of the masonry work in Sunriver. He usually met the crew and began the day with a good coffee at the stick. he has many good memories of friends and staff met at the Stick in the Mud.
CHARLES DILBA
Co-Treasurer
Chuck Dilba is a retired public practice Chartered Accountant. He plays goal for the Oak Bay Old Boys soccer club. He is constantly adding to his eclectic music CD collection. He is a semi-amateur photographer. In the kitchen, he is known for his world-famous mango salsa and adventurous cooking. He, his wife, and extended family moved to Sooke four years ago; so far it has been a great experience. Chuck is the proud grandfather of two girls.
MARIA LATELLA
Co-Treasurer
​OLI HATHAWAY
Director
Born and raised on the island, Oli has been an employee at the Stick in the Mud since July 2021, beginning work shortly after his family moved to Sooke. Through his work at the Stick in the Mud, Oli discovered a passion for coffee, and an even bigger passion for community. Oli now works as Café Vosino's Head Barista, striving to bring amazing vibes and equally amazing coffee to the community! Aside from his love for coffee, Oli has a passion for fashion, the arts, gaming, and his four cats.
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