Events
Thurs. Nov. 3
Pumpkin Smash - Help pumpkins rest in peace by smashing them in giant compost bins. THURSDAY-SATURDAY 8am-5pm at the Ellice Recycling Diversion Facility (524 David) & the Garden Waste Drop-off Facility (605 Canteen). By donation. 250-386-9676.
Casino Royal - An evening for clients and business partners to share ideas. Reservations required. 5-7pm at Steve Drane Harley-Davidson (2940 Ed Nixon Terrace). Free. 250-853-3300.
Fri. Nov. 4
Fantastic Friday - A family-friendly time full of fun, games, food, crafts, music and stories. Featuring Messy Church. Dinner provided. 4:30-6:30pm at St. Luke's Hall (3821 Cedar Hill Cross). Free. 250-477-6741, stlukesvictoria.ca.
stepparenting for today - Learn how to strengthen stepfamily relationships and stepfamily dynamics. Registration required. 6:30-8:30pm at The West Shore Child, Youth & Family Centre (345 Wale). $10/$5 Boys & Girls Club Parenting Program participants. 250-384-9133 ext. 222.
OAK BAY ALL CANDIDATES MEETINGS - All eleven candidates for Council and two candidates for Mayor have been invited to take part. Moderated by Jamie Chicanot. FRIDAY 7-9pm at the Monterey Rec Centre (1442 Monterey) & Nov. 8 7-9pm at The Emmanuel Baptist Church (2121 Cedar Hill Cross). Free. 250-595-6284.
Sat. Nov. 5
Standing Tall for Epilepsy: Rights and Research Conference - Speakers discuss epilepsy research, treatments and rights. 9am-3:15pm in the Michele Pujol room, Student Union Building (UVic). $50/$35 for VEPC members. vepc.bc.ca.
Tree Banding for Winter Moth Workshop - Learn how banding your trees now will help prevent Winter moth damage. Rain or shine. 10am-noon at the Beacon Hill Park Maintenance Yard (Nursery Road). For more info, visit victoria.ca and click on What’s New?
Winter Market - Locally produced meat, cheese, bread, ice cream, honey, produce, sprouts, jams, mushrooms, salt and preserves, all in historic Market Square. 11am-3pm in Market Square. victoriapublicmarket.com.
Tour Ross Bay Villa - Tour the restored grounds and marvel at the beauty of this 1860s Villa. 2pm at 1490 Fairfield. By donation. 250-995-0022.
Ghost hunt at the MMBC - Dawn Kirkham, clairvoyant medium and member of PARAVI Victoria's Paranormal Research Society uses her years of experience to facilitate a ghostly investigation of the Maritime Museum of BC. Participants use investigative devices to seek out the unknown that resides in the walls of the Museum. Registration required. 10pm at the Maritime Museum of BC (28 Bastion Square). $63. 250-385-4222 ext. 113.
Sun. Nov. 6
Tree Appreciation Day - Plant trees and shrubs for future generations to enjoy. Please bring your own tools and gloves as supplies are limited. Includes info sessions on how to select, plant and care for a tree, and how tree banding now prevents Winter moth damage in the spring. Rain or shine. 10am-noon at Arbutus Park (2925 Washington). 2925 Washington Avenue. Free. victoria.ca and click on What’s New?
The Greater Victoria animal crusaders - Annual general meeting. 1pm in room 36 of the James Bay New Horizons Centre (234 Menzies).
TUES. Nov. 8
Super bowls of hope - Support the Youth Empowerment Society by eating soup. You even get to keep the bowl! Includes silent auction, celebrity signed bowls and get-aways. 11am-1:30pm In the Palm Court & Crystal Ballroom of the Empress (721 Government). $25. souperbowls.com.
Wed. Nov. 9
The Claremont Review gala - Celebrate the 40th issue of this publication. With John Gould as master of ceremonies and readings from alumni. 7-9pm in the Copeland Lecture Theatre, St. Michaels University School (3400 Richmond). Free. 250-658-5221.
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.
victoria flea market - Offering a huge assortment of interesting things. SUNDAYS 9am-2pm at the DaVinci Centre. $2/free after 1pm. 250-381-5033.
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.
Dance
Fri. Nov. 4
Club Salsa - Music by DJ Ramesh and the Latin Project. Salsa lesson with Javier at 8:30pm, dance 9:30pm at The Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad). $9. 250-380-1280.
Wed. Nov. 9
Rock'n'Roll Dance Party - Music by Slim Sandy and the Hillbilly Boogie Band. Dance lesson 8:30pm, dance 9:30pm at The Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad). $10. 250-380-1280.
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.
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
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.
LAUGHTER YOGA plus - Combines the breathing of yoga and the healing powers of laughter. THURSDAYS 7:30pm at James Bay Community School Centre (140 Oswego). $8. 250-389-1470.
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. FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS 7:30 outside the Visitor Information Centre (Government at Wharf St). $13/$11 students. 250-384-6698.
Volkssport walks - 5/10 km walk, SATURDAY 9:30am at the Fairfield Community Centre (1335 Thurlow). 250-721-3065.
Spiritual
Thurs. Nov. 3
Astrology and Tarot workshops - Astrology 101, THURSDAY 7- 9:30pm. Zodiac Signs and Cusps, MONDAY 6:30-9:30pm. Registration required. All at 429 Vancouver. $20 for first timers. 250-381-4299.
Sat. Nov. 5
intro to Body Rhythm - Use stepping, snapping, clapping and vocalizing to explore how common rhythm can connect us in unexpected ways. With instructor Andrea Guyon. Registration required. 7pm at James Bay Coffee & Books (143 Menzies). $15. jbcoffeeandbooks@shaw.ca.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Ready to Rent BC - Families having trouble finding and maintaining affordable housing can attend a free, six week course in a friendly and accommodating environment that includes bus tickets to get there and back, childminding and a healthy snack. Courses ongoing. 250-388-7171, readytorentbc.net.
Seeking male singers - Men, are you tired of sitting at home and would like to sing? The Saanich Songmen sing well-known songs and are currently accepting new members. Call 250-389-1059 or 250-361-9878 for details.
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.
