3 Events
Thurs. Oct. 20
Rally for Ancient Forests & BC Forestry Jobs - Support the call for protection of old-growth forests, sustainable second-growth forestry, an end to raw log exports, and the implementation of First Nations land use plans. 7-8:30pm at Alix Goolden Hall (907 Pandora). Free. info@ancientforestalliance.org.
Sat. Oct. 22
Solar Saturday - Learn about emerging and proven solar technologies; understand building efficiency, industry standards and rating systems; explore professional-level certification, training and learning opportunities. Registration required. 9am-3pm in the John Drysdale Building, Camosun College Interurban Campus (4461 Interurban). Free. 250-370-3550, ttce@camosun.bc.ca.
Japanese Cultural Fair - Enjoy traditional and non-traditional Japanese food, arts and crafts, Japanese tea and live entertainment. 10am-4pm at the Esquimalt Rec Centre (527 Fraser). Free. vncs.ca.
Salmon roast & pit cook - Fun for all ages. Bring your own dishes. 10am-4pm at Tod Inlet. 250-652-1662, seachangesociety.wordpress.com.
Broom Bash - Bring your family, loppers, clippers and gloves and join in the fun of weeding out Scotch Broom, Ivy and Daphne. Make Broomsticks! Meet at the entrance to Cattle Point and sign in at the Registration Table. 1-4pm in Uplands park. Free. 250-595-8084.
Take Home TCM: MOXA for Beginners - Learn the basics of Chinese-style moxabustion therapy and more. Youth 12-16 are welcome if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Registration required. 2-4pm at the Heart & Hands Health Collective (851 Cormerant). $10/$5 youth. heartandhandscommunity.ca.
Oktoberfest - Beer garden, Oktoberfest food and entertainment and a variety of family activities. 3-10pm in Bastion Square.
Mary Winspear Centre gala - Includes food, silent auction, raffle, prizes and entertainment. Proceeds support the Children's Arts and Culture Fund. 6:30pm at the Mary Winspear Centre (2243 Beacon). $55. marywinspear.ca.
Wags to Whiskers Dinner & Auction - Enjoy a gourmet dinner and dessert, along with a silent auction. Proceeds support Animal Crusaders initiatives to save abandoned pets in our community. 6:30pm at the Westin Resort (Bear Mountain). $65. animalcrusaders.ca.
Sun. Oct. 23
Polish Lunch - Homemade traditional Polish food. Noon-3pm at The White Eagle Polish Hall (90 Dock). $8. 250-882-3797.
Wed. Oct. 26
OFF LABEL Festival - A week-long festival of events bringing together an international group of artists and intellectuals to explore health, spirituality and the effects of technology in a digitally mediated world. WEDNESDAY-Nov. 2 at venues throughout Victoria. For details, visit digitalartweeks.ethz.ch.
ONGoing
The Versatile Group - All artists of any genre invited to share their ideas, work and successes. FRIDAYS 1:30-4pm at The Well (821 Fort). Free. 778-433-0537.
Board games Night - Scrabble and more! SUNDAY 5:30pm at the Superior (106 Superior). Free. 250-380-9515.
SCRABBLE NIGHT - Bring a board game and a friend, or play on the in-house boards and find an opponent there. TUESDAYS 6:30-9pm at James Bay Coffee & Books. Free. 250-386-4700.
basics of Braille - Learn about the two hundred-year-old, six-dot reading system used by blind people. Registration required. WEDNESDAYS 7:30pm. To Nov. 30 at the Esquimalt Rec Centre (527 Fraser). $78. 250-590-9048, elizabeth@blindway.ca.
markets
Sat. Oct. 22
Garage Sale & Pancake Breakfast - Books, household items, baked goods, and much more for sale. Proceeds support the Arion Male Voice Choir. 8am-1pm at the Centennial United Church (612 David). arionmvc@gmail.com
book sale - Lots of gently used books. All proceeds go to keeping the library a great place to visit. 10am-2pm in the Nell Horth room, Vancouver Island Regional Library (10091 Resthaven). 250-656-0944, virl.bc.ca.
ONGoing
NORTH SAANICH MARKET - Seasonal produce, locally raised meat, eggs, baking, plants, crafts. Come meet your neighbours. SATURDAYS 9:30am-12:30pm. To Oct. 29 at St. John's United Church (10990 West Saanich). Free. 250-656-1330.
Moss Street Market - Offering local farmers, artisans, crafters, bakers, cooks, bodyworkers and more a place to exchange their goods and services. SATURDAYS 10am-2pm. To Oct. 29 at the corner of Moss and Fairfield. Free. mossstreetmarket.com.
victoria flea market - Offering a huge assortment of interesting things. SUNDAYS 9am-2pm at the DaVinci Centre. $2. 250-381-5033.
Metchosin Farmers' market- SUNDAYS 11am-2pm. To Oct. 31 at the Metchosin Municipal Grounds (4450 Happy Valley). Free.
Dance
ONGoing
Salsa caliente - Beginner and advanced salsa, THURSDAYS 8-10pm. Intermediate mambo, MONDAYS 6:30-7:30pm. Fundamentals of mambo TUESDAYS 6-7pm. Latin workout WEDNESDAYS 6:30-7:30pm. All at Café Casablanca (2524 Bridge). $10. 250-389-0222.
Saanich International Folkdancers - Learn dances from around the world. No partner or experience needed. Please wear soft-soled shoes. SATURDAY 7pm at Fairfield United Church (1303 Fairfield). Drop-in $5/$4 students/under 12 free. 250-384-0592, balkanbarb@hotmail.com.
Argentine Tango - Beginners drop-in classes with David and Vanessa. FRIDAYS 8pm at Café Casablanca (2524 Bridge). $10/$8 for Tango Vita members. vanessawinn.com.
VBDS BALLROOM DANCE WORKSHOPS - Pre-Bronze/Bronze Waltz 1-2pm, $5/$8/$10 per person, per workshop. Intro to Social Foxtrot and Rumba 2-3pm, $5 per person, per workshop. Singles & couples welcome. SATURDAYS 1-3pm at the Les Passmore Centre (286 Hampton). 250-721-5483, vbds.org.
West Coast Swing Classes -
Dance to Blues, Country, R&B and Top 40. No partner or experience required. SUNDAYS 6-7pm at Studio 7 (1221 Broad). $13 drop-in. 250-382-4500.
Tango Vita - Beginner classes with Hilda-René SATURDAYS 7pm, intermediate 8pm, Milonga 9pm at 306-1221 Broad, 250-477-6360. Beginner and intermediate classes with Jorge-Liliana WEDNESDAYS 8pm, Milonga 9pm at St. Matthias Hall (600 Richmond), 250-858-1234. tangovita.com.
SWING - Dance to Nightclub music. SATURDAYS 9pm at the Carlton Club (900 Carlton). $5. jayholman@telus.net.
Nuevo Tango Classes - SUNDAYS. Beginners 2pm, intermediate 3:15pm, practice 4:30pm. All at the Martin Batchelor Gallery (712 Cormorant). $12/$9 students. 778 432-0112, passion4tango.com.
Contemporary Dance - MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 6-7:30pm at the The Victoria School of Contemporary Dance (649 Gorge East). $15/$8. 250-383-7183.
Cuban Salsa - Classes with Salsa Moderna. Beginner and intermediate MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 7:30-9:30pm at Café Casablanca (2523 Bridge). 250-891-2310, latinvictoria.ca.
salsa - TUESDAYS Beginner's lesson 7pm & intermediate lesson 8:15pm at Studio 4 Athletics (715 Yates). $15. salsavictoria.com.
Vic BALLROOM DANCE Society - Practice. FRIDAYS 7-9:30pm at Les Passmore Centre (286 Hampton). WEDNESDAYS 7:45-10pm at Cedar Hill Rec Centre (3220 Cedar Hill). Free for first-timers. 250-721-5483, vbds.org.
Active
Fri. Oct. 21
Forest Spooktacular - Join guided walks, if you dare and partake of a cauldron filled with spooky treasures from the natural world. Displays, Halloween crafts and ghoulish brew await. Wear a costume and win a prize. All ages. FRIDAY-SUNDAY & Oct. 29 11am-2:30pm at Francis/King Regional Park. Free.
ongoing
WalkSmart - Morning walks for ladies. Coffee and chat to follow. THURSDAYS & FRIDAYS, MONDAYS-WEDNESDAYS 8:45am at the Royal Oak McDonalds (4410 West Saanich). 250-479-4087, walksmartvictoria@shaw.ca.
moksha yoga - Find out what hot yoga is all about. THURSDAYS 2-3:30pm, SATURDAYS 1:30-3pm & MONDAYS 3:15-4:15pm at Moksha Yoga (1088 Fort). $7. 250-385-9642.
Axe Capoeira - Learn the Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, sports and music. Kids classes THURSDAYS & TUESDAYS 3:45-4:45pm. Adults classes SUNDAYS 11:45am-1:45pm. All at Burnside Gym (3130 Jutland). $65 per month for children/$50 per month for adults. 250-884-7998.
Community Flow Yoga - With Hsin. Proceeds support the SPCA. 6-7:15pm at the Yoga Shala (1322 Broad). $5. 602-743-1937, hsinpai@gmail.com.
Victoria Horseshoe Club - Adult drop-in mixed doubles. FRIDAYS 6:45pm. Junior program (8-17 years), WEDNESDAYS 6:30-8pm. All at Glanford Park. 250-385-6162.
Ghostly Walks - We’re living in BC’s most haunted city. Find out why and where on this 90-minute walk. No registration required. Every night 7:30pm, FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS 7:30 & 9:30pm outside the Visitor Information Centre (Government at Wharf St). $13/$11 students. 250-384-6698.
Volkssport walks - 10 km walk, SUNDAY 10am at Pearkes Rec Centre (3100 Tilicum), 250-385-8519.
Spiritual
TUES. Oct. 25
Astrology and Tarot - Voyager Tarot, TUESDAY 3-5:30pm. Astrology: Planetary Archetypes, WEDNESDAY 3-5:30pm & 7:30-10pm. Registration required. All at 429 Vancouver. $20 for first timers. 250-381-4299.
ONGoing
Learn to Meditate - Learn mantra meditation. THURSDAYS 4:30-5:15pm in the Interfaith Chapel (UVic). Free. 250-721-8338
Dharma Teachings - With Resident Lama Jhampa Tenzin. THURSDAYS 7-9pm at the Victoria Dharma Centre (3371 Maplewood). By donation. 250-385-4828.
Meditation - Emotional freedom technique and insight meditation. THURSDAYS 7-9pm at Unity Church of Victoria (838 Pandora). By donation. 250-382-1613.
SAHAJ MARG MEDITATION INTRODUCTORY TALKs - A heart-centred meditation practiced worldwide for real change from the inside out. Call for details. SATURDAYS 11am-1pm. Free. 778-430-1104.
Buddhist Community Sits -
Silent meditation followed by taped Dharma talks and discussion. SUNDAYS 7-9pm at Lynn Wylie Yoga Studio (202-1600 Bay). By donation. 250-380-6383.
Cowabunga Meditation -
Join Brad Morris, co-founder of GratiDudes, for a surfer’s approach to meditation. MONDAYS 6:30pm at 1088 Fort. $10. cowabungalife.com.
A Course in Miracles - Unite the light in you. In-depth study group. MONDAYS 7:30-9:30pm. Call for details. 250-386-5919.
WAY OF MASTERY - Taking you from sleep to wakefulness, from illusion to reality. Reminding you of who you are. WEDNESDAYS 7-9:30pm at 415-200 Dallas. By donation. 250-920-0948.
Zen meditation - Learn Zen mediation. TUESDAYS 7-8pm in the Interfaith Chapel (UVic). Free. 250-721-8338.
Drop-In Meditation - Includes guided meditation, practical instruction and discussion. MONDAYS 7-8:30pm and WEDNESDAYS 10-11:30 am at Bodhichitta Buddhist Centre (2020A Douglas). WEDNESDAYS 7-8:30pm at Fairfield United Church (1303 Fairfield). THURSDAYS 7-8:30pm James Bay United Church (511 Michigan). 250-592-7164, meditateinvictoria.org.
community
customer service Training - Free training to those between the ages of 18-30 who are experiencing difficulties in their job search and are in need of support and mentorship. Includes First Aid and Food Safe Certificates, as well as employability skills training such as interview skills, resume writing and more. Session starts Nov. 14. Registration required. Free. 250-386-3428.
Pacific Explorers Scrap Metal Drive - Until Nov. 15, when you drop off your scrap metal at any Steel Pacific Recycling depot on Vancouver Island, please ask for the money to be donated to “Pacific Explorers 2012.” Proceeds support a dedicated group of 18 Greater Victoria Scouts and Venturers serve as ambassadors for Scouts Canada when they participate in the 10-day Blair Atholl International Scout Jamborette in Scotland next July. PacificExplorers.wordpress.com
VICTORIA LEADERSHIP AWARDS - Nominations are being accepted for the 2012 ceremony. Nomination packages are available and may be completed online at leadershipvictoria.ca. Deadline: Nov. 20, 2011. 250-386-2269.
DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM - For persons with diabetes. Family members and friends welcome. MONDAYS 1-3:30pm. To Nov. 21 at the Canadian Diabetes Association Office (276-2950 Douglas). Free. 1-866-902-3767, selfmanagementbc.ca.
call for artists - Uno Fest and The Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival are accepting applications for their 2012 festivals. Uno Fest submission deadline: Nov. 4 2011. Fringe festival submission deadline: Jan. 10, 2012. Apply online at intrepidtheatre.com.
SHARE UVIC memories - Organizers of UVic’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations are inviting members of the community to contribute to the anniversary website. The link to “Great Moments at UVic” is now live and ready to accept nominations about memorable events, achievements, campus developments and personal memories. Submission deadline: Jan. 20, 2012. To submit, go to uvic.ca/anniversary and click on the "Great Moments" tab.
Call for submissions - Christ Church Cathedral is accepting proposals in prose, poetry or dramatic narrative for a December presentation. For more information, call 250-383-2714 or email mgormley@christchurchcathedral.bc.ca.
Harmonious singers - Kids, teens, parents & grandparents sing together for the sheer fun of it. Feel free to try a “no-audition session”any MONDAY evening. For more details visit harmoniousfamilychoir.com, sing@harmoniousfamilychoir.com or 250-385-7464.
SUPPORT GROUP - Support group for phobias, generalized anxiety, panic attacks and OCD. With Dr. Tom Lipinski, registered psychologist. THURSDAYS 7-8:30pm at the Bridge Centre (125 Skinner). Free. 250-389-1211.
LifeRing - Addiction support program. FRIDAYS 6:30pm at Pearkes Rec Centre (3100 Tillicum). 250-920-2095.
SIPCCentre - Counsellor-led support group for mature women ready to re-explore their sexual orientation. $8/session. FRIDAYS 5-6:45pm at James Bay New Horizons.
Kiwanis House Program - Lifering support group for young mothers dealing with addiction. Free onsite childminding is available for young mothers participating in the program. TUESDAYS 6-7:15pm at 2652 Cook. Child minding starts at 5:30. Calling in advance is appreciated. 250-382-1004.
THE VIC HIGH NEIGHBOURHOOD CHOIR - Welcomes new singers of all ages/levels to join them for their 7th season of music making at Victoria High School. TUESDAYS 7-9pm at the Wallace Auditorium (1260 Grant). Newcomers and drop-ins please come at 6:45pm. 250-382-7048, markhellman.ca.
Dual Recovery Anonymous - Support group for recovery from both an addiction of any kind and a mental health issue. TUESDAYS 7:30pm in the BCSS Board Room (941 Kings). Free. 250-384-4225.
ALT LOVERS - Sagacity Alternative Lifestyle Society is where folks who enjoy BDSM, alternative lifestyles, kink, and fetish gather to talk, laugh, socialize, share and learn. TUESDAYS 7:30pm at the Ledge, Bedford Regency (1140 Government). Free. sagacitygroup.net.
queer youth DROP IN - South Island Pride Community Centre welcomes queer youth, friends, allies and youth from queer families. MONDAYS 6-8pm at Esquimalt Youth Centre (530 Fraser), WEDNESDAYS 6-8pm at Fairfield Community Place (1330 Fairfield). Free. southislandpridecentre.ca.
PFLAG- Confidential support for parents, families, friends, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, two-spirit, intersex, queer, questioning and allies. 250 592-0305, victoriabc@pflagcanada.ca.
become an AVI volunteer -
Volunteer with AIDS Vancouver Island. AIDS Vancouver Island (713 Johnson, 3rd floor). 250-384-2366 ext 2262. leslie.robinson@avi.org.
Letting Go While Holding On - Explore how your role as family caregiver changes when the person you are caring for moves into a care facility. Registration required. 250-384-0408, familycaregiversnetwork.org.
Overwhelming Emotions Support Group - Borderline personality disorder, self harm, PTSD? B.C. Schizophrenia Society meets regularly at 941 Kings. 250-383-5144 box 2127, bpdvictoria@gmail.com.
CRIDGE TRANSITION HOUSE -
Looking for female volunteers to drive women to appointments, take them apartment hunting, spend time with children letting them know they are valued and cared about, fill the house with delicious smells of baking and help out with dozens of other tasks and errands. 250-479-3963.
ANIMAL LOVERS - Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders needs volunteers to foster strays, answer phones, assist with transportation and trap feral cats. info@animalcrusaders.ca, 250-474-5581.
Volunteers Needed - To drive cancer patients to medical appointments. Contact the Canadian Cancer Society at 250-414-4253 or visit us online at cancervolunteer.ca.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - Volunteer with Victoria Riding for the Disabled Association. No experience necessary. 16+. MONDAY-THURSDAY mornings and TUESDAY-THURSDAY afternoons. 778-426-0506, vrda@shaw.ca.
The Vic West Toy Library - We offer a place for children and parents to come and play, try out some new toys and to take a few home with you for a two week loan period. There are free refreshments available. Annual membership is $30 and each family can take home a maximum of 6 items. High Point Church (949 Fullerton). 250-383-6290, info@pointful.ca.