Events

 

Thurs. Sept. 15

your voice counts – An open forum seeking input for developing a pro-active approach to healthy communities. 7pm at Scout Hall (459 Chester). By donation. democracynow.org.

Fri. Sept. 16

Duplicate Bridge Fall Sectional Tournament – FRIDAY 1pm, SATURDAY noon & SUNDAY 9:30am at Pearkes Rec Arena (3100 Tillicum). $10 per session. gaylegood@telus.net.

Rock Bay Square – Open house featuring furniture makers, jewelers, leather artisans, writers and more. 3-8pm at 205-2614 Bridge. Free. 250-382-0098.

theatre skam – Annual general meeting. With musical performance by Steph MacPherson. 5-7pm at the Theatre SKAM office (Studio C-666 Herald). $2 SKAM membership. info@skam.ca.

Bluewater Cruising Association – Nigel Calder discusses boat maintenance and cruising. 7:30-9:30pm at the Mary Winspear Centre (2243 Beacon). $25. calder.bluewatercruising.org.

Adjusting to Motherhood – Eva Bild discusses how to adjust to motherhood. Babies and toddlers welcome. Registration required, as spaces are limited. 2pm – 3:30pm at the Mothering Touch Centre (975 Fort). Free. 250-383-2626, info@elementscentre.ca.

Sat. Sept. 17

HARVEST THRESHING WEEKEND – Hay threshing demos, museums, trails, entertainment, train rides and more. SATURDAY & SUNDAY 9:30am-4:30pm at Heritage Acres (7321 Lochside). $7/free children under 12. 250-652-5522, shas.ca.

Fundraiser feast – Food, speeches, fundraising, drumming, dancing and musical entertainment. Proceeds support the Kingcome Inlet Flood Relief Fund. Noon-3pm at the Christ Church Cathedral (930 Burdette). By donation. 250-383-2714.

STREETFEST – An afternoon of music, food, performers, a garden exchange, baking table, children’s activities, community info and much more. Everyone welcome. 1-5pm at Redfern Park (Leighton road). Free. 250-589-0113.

September Social – Meet other downtown residents and try your hand at lawn bowling! Registration is first come, first served. 3-6pm at The Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club (720 Belleville). $10. 250-386-5501, wdbowkett@gmail.com.

Sun. Sept. 18

Smart Meter protest – Guest speakers, info booths about the program and how the public can take action. 2:30-4pm at the BC Legislature (501 Belleville). Free. 250-478-7892.

Bridal Expo – Find everything wedding under one roof. Dresses, favours, florists and more! 10am-4pm at the Crystal Garden (713 Douglas). $18. bridalevents.ca.

mon. Sept. 19

BC Sustainable Energy Association – Meeting. 7-9pm at North Park Manor (875 North Park). Free. bcsea.org.

Victoria Germans from Russia Historical Society – Meeting. New members welcome. 7pm at 4085 Ebony Terrace. Free. 250-721-3405, dianad@telus.net.

TUES. Sept. 20

Better Bladders After Babies – Come and learn how pelvic floor function impacts bladder health as well as core stability. Registration required, as space is limited. 6:30-7:30pm at Sante Gluten Free Bakery (2630A Quadra). Free. 250-383-2626, info@elementscentre.ca.

Botany Night – Adolf Ceska discusses the history, recent state, and possible future development of Ecological Reserves in British Columbia, and will open a discussion of how to make this important program viable again. 7:30pm in the Swan Lake Nature House (3873 Swan Lake). Free. naturevictoria.ca.

Wed. Sept. 21

VICTORIA WOMEN’S NEWCOMERS’ CLUB – Come to lunch and find out what the club did this summer and what activity groups are being offered by our club. 11:30am at the Cedar Hill Golf Club (1400 Derby). Registration required. 778-430-1892, vicdaynewcomers.ca.

AIDS Walk for Life – Candle light walk. T-shirts and candles supplied. Proceeds support HIV/AIDS agencies. 6pm at Centennial Square. 250-388-6220, aidswalkforlife.ca. or phone

Canadian Federation of University Women – General meeting. 7pm at the Salvation Army Citadel (4030 Douglas). 250-590-8187.

 

Markets

 

Sat. Sept. 17

St. Peter’s Garage Sale – 9am-noon at St. Peter’s Anglican Church (3939 St. Peters).

ONGoing

Bastion Square Market –

Artisans open air marketplace. THURSDAY-SATURDAY 11am. To Oct. 1 at Bastion Square. Free. 250-885-1387.

Night market – Eclectic mix of vendors and entertainers. THURSDAY-SATURDAY 7-10:30pm at Ship Point. Last chance. victoriaharbour.org.

James Bay Market – Outdoor market featuring local farmers, artisans, musicians and service providers. SATURDAYS 9am-3pm. To Oct. 29 at the corner of Menzies and Superior. Free. jamesbaymarket.com.

Peninsula Market – More than 50 vendors offer farm fresh products and more. SATURDAYS 9am-1pm. To Oct. 8 at the Saanich Fairgrounds (1528 Stellys Cross). Free.  peninsulacountrymarket.ca.

NORTH SAANICH MARKET – Seasonal produce, locally raised meat, eggs, baking and more. SATURDAYS 9:30am-12:30pm. To Oct. 29 at St. John’s United Church (10990 West Saanich). Free. 250-656-1330.

Goldstream Station Market – Stock up on local produce and crafts. SATURDAYS 10am-2pm. To Oct. 15 at the corner of Bryn Maur and Goldstream. Free. goldstreamstationmarket.ca.

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. 1 at the corner of Moss and Fairfield. Free. mossstreetmarket.com.

Metchosin Farmers’ market- SUNDAYS 11am-2pm. To Oct. 31 at the Metchosin Municipal Grounds (4450 Happy Valley). Free.

SUNDAY Market in the Square – An exciting array of arts, crafts, locally designed clothing, imports and food. SUNDAYS 11am-4:30pm in Centennial Square. To Sept. 25. Free. 250-598-2593.

 

Dance

 

THURS. SEPT. 15

RSCDS Open HOUSE – The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society invites the public to see what Scottish country dancing is all about. No partner required. Wear soft-soled shoes. Refreshments will be served. 7:30-9:30pm at the Lutheran Church of the Cross (3787 Cedar Hill). 250-721-4078, rscdsvictoria.org.

Fri. Sept. 16

Club Salsa – Salsa Lesson with Bernard at 8:30pm, followed by a night of dancing to Latin beats with DJ Ramesh and live music from Havana Mambo 9:30pm at the Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad). $9. 250-380-1280.

Sat. Sept. 17

Island singles dance- Couples welcome. Party dress code. 9pm at the DaVinci Centre (195 Bay). $11. 250-383-8041.

Social Ballroom dance – Bring a non-breakable mug to enjoy refreshments. Waltz variations with Wanda & Bob 7:15-8:15pm, dance 8:15-11pm at Saanich Silver Threads (286 Hampton). Workshop $5/Dance $10. 250-477-4811.

Nothin’ but swing – Live jazz, social swing dancing and a beginner’s lesson. No experience required. 8:30pm-12:30am at St. John’s Hall (925 Balmoral). $13/$12 Swing Dance Association members/$10 students & seniors. swingvictoria.net.

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. Please wear soft-soled shoes. FRIDAYS 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). 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.

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.

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.

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.

Van Isle Scottish Country Dancers – Dress casually; wear flat soft-soled shoes. No partner required. TUESDAYS 7:30pm. To Sept. 27 at The Eastern Star Lodge (3281 Harriet). Free. 250-598-0207, viscds.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

 

mon. Sept. 19

Mommy Boost Month – Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Moms and Tots (aged 3-6 months), MONDAY 10:30-11:30am. Postnatal Yoga, MONDAY 7-8:15pm. Prenatal Yoga TUESDAY 10-11:30am. Prenatal Pilates WEDNESDAY 6-7pm. Registration required for all events, as space is limited. All at Moksana Yoga Centre (500-3 Fan Tan Alley) and free. 250-383-2626, elementscentre.ca.

Explore and Expand Your Practice – With Chris Chavez, Certified Anusara Instructor. FRIDAY 5-7pm, SATURDAY 10am-noon & 2-4pm at Moksana Yoga (3-23 Fan Tan Alley). $46 per session. 250-358-2105.

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.

Volkssport walks – Walk THURSDAY 9am at the Maritime Museum of BC (28 Bastion Square). 5/10km walk, SATURDAY 10am at the Running Room (777 Royal Oak).  5/10km walk SUNDAY 19am at the Running Room (2401G Millstream).

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.

Yoga in the Park – Beginner to intermediate hatha yoga. All proceeds go to charity. THURSDAYS 5:30-7pm. To Sept. 8 at Beacon Hill Park (on the lawn across from the Petting Zoo). $5. 250-588-6118.

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 & 9:30pm, with an extra tour FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS 8:30 pm outside the Visitor Information Centre (Government at Wharf St). $13/$11 students. 250-384-6698.

moksha yoga – Find out what hot yoga is all about. SATURDAYS 1:30-3pm, MONDAYS 7-8am & WEDNESDAYS 3:15-4:15pm at Moksha Yoga (1088 Fort). $7. 250-385-9642.

Stroller Walks – Walk around Cedar Hill Golf Course with Amber Bosma. Part of Mommy Boost Month. Registration required. WEDNESDAYS 9am. To Sept. 28 at the Cedar Hill Golf Course parking lot on Finlayson (Cedar Hill Road junction). 250.383.2626, elementscentre.ca.

LAUGHTER YOGA – Combines the breathing of yoga and the healing powers of laughter. WEDNESDAYS 7-8pm at Esquimalt Rec Centre (527 Fraser). $5/$4. 250-412-8500.

 

Spiritual

 

Fri. Sept. 16

In the Circle with the Spirit Guides – Victoria psychic Jane Kennard invites the spirit guides to speak through her about our world today and how to live our lives in these times. Audience members will be welcome to ask the guides questions on any topic. 7:30pm at the Church of Truth (111 Superior). $30/$40. 250-386-3739.

mon. Sept. 19

BIBLETHON – Celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James version of the Bible. Sign up to be part of the marathon reading of the King James Bible. MONDAY to Sept. 24 7am-10pm at the Christ Church Cathedral (930 Burdett). Free. 250-383-2714.

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 more information. 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 – Using Ken Wilber’s Integral Mapping. Study group. MONDAYS 7-9pm at the James Bay New Horizons, 234 Menzies. By donation. 250-220-9797.

Drop-In Meditation – Each class 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.

Zen meditation – Learn Zen mediation. TUESDAYS 7-8pm in the Interfaith Chapel (UVic). Free. 250-721-8338.

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.

 

Community

 

Seeking creative minds – Creative Works Photography is raising funds by photographing and printing a book of comical puns & costumes, to amuse the city while supporting Victoria Women’s Transition house. Competition applications are being accepted now, with shooting to start THURSDAY, 2011. Winners will be announced October 31, 2011. Detailed info available at punphotos.com.

PFLAG – Confidential support for parents, families, friends, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, two-spirit, intersex, queer, questioning and allies. SUNDAY 2-4pm at St. John the Divine (1611 Quadra). 250 592-0305.

call for artisans – Applications are being accepted for Gifts for Myself & Others 2011. Work to be offered for sale must be three-dimensional and of original design made by the applicant. Commercial components must be very secondary to overall design.  Work made using commercial molds, kits, hobby crafts, soaps, lotions or food items will not be considered. Deadline for applications Sept. 25, 2011. Visit islandartisans.ca for more information.

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.

Gettin’ Higher Choir – No audition! All voices welcome! MONDAYS (Central Saanich), TUESDAYS or THURSDAYS (James Bay). For details please contact gettinhigherchoir.ca, bill@gettinhigherchoir.ca or 250-920-4160.

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.

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.

LifeRing – Addiction support program. FRIDAYS 6:30pm at Pearkes Rec Centre (3100 Tillicum). 250-920-2095.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Contact Anita: 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.

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.

Volunteers Needed – To drive cancer clients to medical appointments. Contact the Canadian Cancer Society at 250-414-4253 or visit us online at cancervolunteer.ca.

VICTORIA LABOUR CHOIR – Are you interested in singing for social justice, songs of peace and protest?  We are looking for committed singers (and a conductor) for a non-audition choir. If interested, please email your name, email address and phone number to victorialabourchoir@gmail.com.

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.