Events
thurs. feb. 23
Trinkets and Treasures: Things Your Ancestors Left Behind – With genealogist, Dave Obee. Part of Heritage Week. 7pm at Oak Bay Libarary (1442 Monterey). Register at gvpl.ca.
fri. feb. 24
3rd ANNUAL GALIANO LITERARY FESTIVAL – Minutes from the ferry dock. To SUNDAY at Galiano Island Oceanfront Inn and Spa. $20-$150. 250-539-3340, galianoislandbooks.com.
IDEAWAVE 2012 – Critical thinkers, from inventors to philanthropists, will come together to share their thoughts. To SUNDAY at the Ambrosia Event Centre (638 Fisgard). ideawave.ca.
sAT. feb. 25
AFRICA CELEBRATES – Dinner, guest performance, music and dance. 5pm at Garth Homer Centre (813 Darwin). $15-$25. 250-686-3976, info@ahavi.org.
FLIGHT AND LIGHT BITES – Led by whisky expert Iain Hooey, guests will experience the 2012 winners of the Canadian Whisky Awards and discover the merits of quality rye whisky. 4pm at Hotel Grand Pacific (463 Belleville). $20 plus tax. 250-380-4478.
Free Artist Visits with the Island Illustrators Society – With Kristi Bridgeman and Olga Lang. Demonstrations in sepia ink and watercolor techniques and Pysanka egg decorating. 10:30am at Central Library (735 Broughton). gvpl.ca.
THE ISLAND BEER FESTIVAL – Hosted by DJ Pat Shade. All your favourite local breweries. Live acoustic duo Mike Hann & Tyler Harvey. 1pm at 9one9. $20. 250-383-7137, strath.info@strathconahotel.com.
sun. feb. 26
Cetus Research and Conservation Fundraising Dinner – Support marine mammal conservation. 6pm at the Olive Grove (West Saanich). $30. Tickets at the Olive Grove or 7-920 Johnson. 250-590-7723.
The Victoria Canada China Friendship Association Dinner Meeting – Prof. Hua Lin will speak about the 100th Anniversary of the Chinese Revolution led by Dr. Sun Yat Sen. 6pm SUNDAY at the Golden City Restaurant (721 Fisgard). Reserve by THURSDAY at 250-477-6915. $22/$25.
Victoria Comic Book Expo – Thousands of examples from all eras. 11am at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre (3277 Douglas). Free. 250-361-6227, victoriacomicbookexpo.ca.
WED. feb. 29
5th ANNUAL PINK SHIRT DAY – Anti-bullying campaign. Proceeds from t-shirts sold at London Drugs go to Boys and Girls Clubs. pinkshirtday.ca.
Anti-Smart Meter Rally – Organized by The Coalition to Stop Smart Meters. 11am at the Hydro Building, Royal Oak Plaza, (4400 West Saanich Rd). stopsmartmetersbc.ca, citizensforsafetechnology.org.
Tree Brewery Dinner at Spinnakers – A beer tasting experience like no other. Live music by Mike Edel. 6:30pm at Spinnakers (308 Catherine). $45. 2503862739, claire@spinnakers.com.
Ongoing
Heritage Week – Hallmark Heritage Society and the Victoria Historical Society are cosponsoring. To SUNDAY.
IMAX Film Festival – It’s a celebration of the giant IMAX 70mm film format that takes you places no ordinary film can. $42 pass. To Mar. 8 at 675 Belleville. sprimrose@imaxvictoria.com, 250-480-4887.
The Versatile Group – All artists of any genre are invited to share their ideas, work and successes. FRIDAYS 2-4pm at The Moka House, Shoal Point (16 Dallas). 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.
Weekly Winter Market – Featuring vendors with handcrafted funky accessories and hair accent pieces, one of a kind festival style apparel, vintage clothing, storytelling, live entertainment, a kids zone and more. SUNDAYS noon-5pm at The Well (821 Fort). Free.
Board games Night – Scrabble and more. SUNDAYS 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.
Dance
SAT. FEB. 25
Contra Dance – Lesson followed by dance. The caller is Eric Curl, and the band is Odd Hack. Beginners welcome, no partner required. Please wear soft-soled shoes and comfortable clothing. 7pm at St. Matthias Church (600 Richmond). $8. 250-384-7823, victoriacontradance.com.
Social Ballroom Dance – Workshop followed by dance. 7:30pm at Saanich Silver Threads (286 Hampton). Bring your own non-breakable glass to enjoy refreshments. $5-$12. 250-477-4811, classicballroom@shaw.ca.
SWING DANCE ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA – Devon McCagherty’s Quintet is performing at Nothin’ But Swing. Live jazz, swing dancing, and a lesson. No experience or partner required. 8:30pm at Saint John’s Hall (925 Balmoral).
$10-$13.
mon. FEB. 27
SWING CITY – Dance lesson. Nightclub two-step with John. Dance to follow. 8pm at Edelweiss Hall (108 Niagra). $8/$10. 250-744-3666.
ONGoing
Argentine and Nuevo Tango – Six weeks; $60 regular/$45 student or $12 drop-in. SUNDAYS 1pm Beginner 1. 2pm Beginner 2. 3pm Intermediate. At the Martin Batchelor Art Gallery (712 Cormorant). 778-432-0112, passion4tangofestival@gmail.com.
Salsa caliente – Beginner and advanced salsa, THURSDAYS 8pm. Intermediate mambo, MONDAYS 6:30pm. Fundamentals of mambo TUESDAYS 6pm. Latin workout WEDNESDAYS 6:30pm. All at Café Casablanca (2524 Bridge). $10. 250-389-0222.
Saanich International Folkdancers – No partner or experience needed. Please wear soft-soled shoes. FRIDAYS 7pm at the Fairfield United Church (1303 Fairfield). $5/$4 students. Free for children under 12. 250-384-0592, balkanbarb@hotmail.com.
VBDS BALLROOM DANCE WORKSHOPS – Pre-Bronze/Bronze Waltz 1pm, $5/$8/$10 per person, per workshop. Intro to Social Foxtrot and Rumba 2pm, $5 per person, per workshop. Singles & couples welcome. SATURDAYS 1pm 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.
Contemporary Dance – MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 6pm 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 7:30pm 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 7:45pm at Cedar Hill Rec Centre (3220 Cedar Hill). Free for first-timers. 250-721-5483, vbds.org.
Active
ONGOING
CRD Walks -Wacky Woodpeckers. A guided woodpecker walk. SUNDAY 1:30pm at the Beaver Lake nature centre. BC Transit #70 or # 75. 250-478-3344, crdparks@crd.bc.ca.
PICKLEBALL SPORT-FIt- This funny but unique program combines sport and fitness in a fun way. $34. MONDAYS, TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS 1:15pm at the Esquimalt Rec Centre (527 Fraser). 250-412-8500.
Walksmart Victoria – MONDAY-FRIDAY. Registration 8:50am. 9am at the Royal Oak McDonalds (4410 West Saanich). 250-479-4087 or walksmartvictoria@shaw.ca.
WEEKLY BIRD WALK – WEDNESDAYS and SUNDAYS 9am at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary (3873 Swan Lake). Free. naturalist2@swanlake.bc.ca, 250-479-0211.
moksha yoga – Find out what hot yoga is all about. THURSDAYS 2pm, SATURDAYS 1:30pm & MONDAYS 3:15pm 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 3:45pm. 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.
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 7:30pm outside the Visitor Info Centre (Government at Wharf). $11/$13. 250-384-6698.
Karma Class – The regular Moksha series practiced in one hour. All proceeds go to a different charity each month. See what this “hot yoga thing” is all about. Bring your friends and family.” FRIDAYS 8pm at Moksha Yoga (1088 Fort). $7.
Volkssport Walks – Victoria Y Club. SATURDAY. 5/10km walk. At Strawberry Vale Community Hall (11 High). Registration 9:30 am, walk 10am. 250-385-5439, yvolks@shaw.ca.
Spiritual
sat. FEB. 25
Inspired Wellness Holistic Fair – Psychic readings, massage, energy healing, holistic services and more. 11am at 111 Superior. $5.778-433-7334, redgatehealingstudio.com.
sun. FEB. 26
Prairie Night – An interesting guest speaker, prayer and music, followed by refreshments and social hour. Special guests The Arion Male Voice Choir. Each year inhabitants of the various Prairie provinces vie as to which province will have the most attendees. 7pm at Centennial United Church (612 David). Free. 250-384-6424.
Ongoing
Astrology and TaroT – Workshops in small groups, applied to participants’ charts and lives. 429 Vancouver St. $20 for first timers for evening workshop. 250-381-4299.
Learn to Meditate – Learn mantra meditation. THURSDAYS 4:30pm in the Interfaith Chapel (UVic). Free. 250-721-8338.
Dharma Teachings – With Resident Lama Jhampa Tenzin. THURSDAYS 7pm at the Victoria Dharma Centre (3371 Maplewood). By donation. 250-385-4828.
Meditation – Emotional freedom technique and insight meditation. THURSDAYS 7pm at Unity Church of Victoria (838 Pandora). By donation. 250-382-1613.
COMMUNITY STUDY GATHERING – Meditation followed by dharma talk or reading and discussion time. Third THURSDAY of each month. 6:30pm at Moksha Yoga Victoria (1088 Fort). Free. info@mokshayogavictoria.com.
FOLLOW YOUR JOY- Each evening is honoured as a peaceful time for reflection or meditation in order to nurture the self and the whole of our global village. WEDNESDAYS 7pm at the Church of Truth. (111 Superior). Free or by donation. cotvictoria@gmail.com, 250-380-6383.
SAHAJ MARG MEDITATION INTRODUCTORY Talks – A heart-centred meditation practiced worldwide for real change from the inside out. Call for details. SATURDAYS 11am. Free. 250-595-4732.
The Philosophy and Meditation of Sri Chinmoy – Free 4-week Meditation Course, THURSDAYS 7pm, Feb. 9, 16, 23, March 1. 250-592-6211.
Buddhist Community Sits –
Silent meditation followed by taped Dharma talks and discussion. SUNDAYS 7pm at Lynn Wylie Yoga Studio (202-1600 Bay). By donation. 250-380-6383.
Living Music: Learning Life Skills Through Music – How can we be more musical in our thoughts, words and actions? WEDNESDAYS to Feb. 29. 7pm at the Church of Truth, Community of Conscious Living (111 Superior). Free or by donation. cotvictoria.ca, 250- 380-6383.
A Course in Miracles – Unite the light in you. In-depth study group. MONDAYS 7pm at James Bay New Horizons (234 Menzies). $2. 250-220-9797.
WAY OF MASTERY – Taking you from sleep to wakefulness, from illusion to reality. Reminding you of who you are. WEDNESDAYS 7pm at 415-200 Dallas. By donation. 250-920-0948.
Zen meditation – Learn Zen mediation. TUESDAYS 7pm in the Interfaith Chapel (UVic). Free. 250-721-8338.
Drop-In Meditation – Includes guided meditation, practical instruction and discussion. MONDAYS 7pm and WEDNESDAYS 10am at Bodhichitta Buddhist Centre (2020A Douglas). WEDNESDAYS 7pm at Fairfield United Church (1303 Fairfield). THURSDAYS 7pm James Bay United Church (511 Michigan). 250-592-7164, meditateinvictoria.org.
Community
CRD Arts Development: Increase to IDEA Grant awards – Supporting innovative ideas, one-time opportunities and providing access for organizations that are ineligible under other Arts Development programs. Deadline March 1, 4:30pm. crd.bc.ca/arts.
Income Tax for Artists Workshop – Presented by the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria. Hosted by Tanya Sterling. SUNDAY 1pm at The Arts Centre at Cedar Hill. $20/$25. coordinator@cacgv.ca.
toastmasters club open house – Dynamic speakers. 6:45pm WEDNESDAY at Vancouver Island Technology Park Conference Centre
Building 200-Main Entrance (4464 Markham). 250-384-7965, info@vietoastmasters.com.
Navigating the Music Industry – Workshop for youth 13 to 18 with James Kasper. 12pm at Larsen School of Music (1808 Cook). $40. 250-389-1988.
MALE SINGERS WANTED -The Greater Victoria Police Chorus, a four part harmony male voice choir, is now welcoming new members, (Police and non police), WEDNESDAYS 7:30pm. Great crowd, great sound, guaranteed fun. 250-383-7408.
Winter Pruning and Grafting Workshop – BC Fruit Testers Association. SATURDAY 10am at the orchard at Hatley Park, Royal Roads University (2005 Sooke). Free. 250-380-6422, ejrayner@shaw.ca.
SPACE NEEDED – After 50 years, Lansdowne Co-op Preschool needs a new home with at least 1000 square feet indoors, and an outdoor area. Tax receipts issued for donations of $10 or more. lansdownepreschool.com/preschool.
Call for Submissions – Victoria Film Festival Short Circuit. CineVic invites submissions of short films under 20 minutes. All submissions must have been completed since Jan. 1, 2010. Submission fee $15. Deadline WEDNESDAY. cinevic.ca.
Vocal Workshop – Presented by BC Choral Federation. With Dr. Kathryn Whitney. 9:45am SATURDAY at St. Mary’s Anglican Church (1701 Elgin). $30-$50. projectmanager@bcchoralfed.com.
Seeking singers – Newcombe Singers Choir welcomes new members, especially in the Tenor/Bass range. Attend the first two rehearsals commitment free. TUESDAYS 7:30pm at St. Mary’s Church (1701 Elgin). 250-480-5087 or newcombesingers.com.
Saanich Songmen – Welcoming all men who can carry a tune. Come and enjoy singing popular standards and comic songs with our unauditioned chorus. SATURDAYS 9:30am at the Passmore Centre (286 Hampton). 250-389-1059, 250-361-9878.
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, 250-385-7464.
Violin and viola players wanted – Hampton Concert Orchestra. Free this term. 7:30pm MONDAYS at Les Passmore Centre. Program: Haydn 101, Mozart 39. Concerts May 2012. 250-721-1940.
SOCIALISM or BARBARISM – Led by Sam Hammond, Provincial Secretary of the Communist Party and Kevin Neish. Entertainment by Duo Tapestry and Art Farquharson. FRIDAY 8pm at 1923 Fernwood. Free. 250-598-7690, victoriacasc.org.
SUPPORT GROUP – Support group for phobias, generalized anxiety, panic attacks and OCD. With Dr. Tom Lipinski, registered psychologist. THURSDAYS 7pm at the Bridge Centre (125 Skinner). Free. 250-389-1211.
LifeRing – Addiction support program. FRIDAYS 6:30pm at Pearkes Rec Centre (3100 Tillicum). TUESDAYS 7:30pm at the Esquimalt Rec Centre (527 Fraser). 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 available for young mothers participating in the program. TUESDAYS 6pm at 2652 Cook. Child minding at 5:30pm. 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.
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.
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.
LECTURES
Religious Toleration in an Age Of Empire: What can we learn from the Romans? – With Dr. Eric Orlin. THURSDAY 7:30 pm in David Strong, Room C116 (UVic). 250-721-8514.
Lunch and Learn Session – Hosted by InnovativeCommunities.org Foundation. THURSDAY 12pm at the Temple Restaurant,525 Fort Street. RSVP to 250 818-3236, innovativecommunities.org.
Quantum Touch Energy Medicine Lecture – Learn how energy medicine works and how you can learn how to use and practice it. SATURDAY 1:30pm at 111 Superior. Free. goodvibrationsenergywellness@gmail.com.
Unleash Your iPhone – Day Seminar with professional photographer Al Smith. How to get the most out of the iPhone’s camera. Submit photos to our Facebook to win tickets and prizes. SATURDAY 9:30 in SSM A104 (UVic). $59. facebook.com/iphoneography.victoria.
Women and Body Image Discussion – Presented by Hypatia Salon. How are women oppressed by body image? How are they empowered? SUNDAY 7pm at the James Joyce Bistro. hypatiasalon@hotmail.com.
Hummingbird Day – We’ll share some tips on how to encourage hummers to nest near your house. SUNDAY 12pm at the Swan Lake Nature House. Admission by donation. 250-479-0211, programs@swanlake.bc.ca.
Who’s Your Farmer? – Join Heather Stretch, Robin Tunnicliffe, Rachel Fisher, and more for a discussion on organic farming. TUESDAY 7pm at Cadboro Bay Books (3840 Cadboro Bay). 250-477-1421, info@touchwoodeditions.com.
Chaya Czernowin – The composer will talk about her recent work including Zohar Iver (Blind Radiance), which will be performed by the UVic Orchestra and Ensemble Nikel March 2. WEDNESDAY 4:30pm. MacLaurin Rm. A169. Free.
You Say Goodbye, We Say Hello: Robots, Theatre and the Future of Humanity – Brazi-based electronics artist and robotics researcher Zaven Paré and UVic Japanese theatre specialist Cody Poulton. WEDNESDAY 7pm in Hickman Building, Rm 105 (UVic). capi.uvic.ca/events.
EXTRA-TERRESTRIALS AND RELIGION – Would the discovery of extra-terrestrial life affect our religious beliefs? With visiting lecturer and astronomer Alan Batten. WEDNESDAY 4:30 in ECS Rm. 124 (UVic). uvic.ca.
FILE 3.0 – A UVic grad student looks at the technical implications of using cell phones to share information. Part of the PANDA Lab Talk on Opportunistic Routing. WEDNESDAY 2:30pm in the ECS Rm. 660 (UVic).
