Events
THURS. MAR. 1
Be A Tourist In Your Own Hometown – Free admissions and discounts on many of Victoria’s best-known attractions, restaurants, tour operators and more. To SUNDAY at various locations. Tickets at the Tourism Victoria Info Centre on Wharf, Thrifty Foods, and BC Lottery outlets. $10.50. attractionsvictoria.com.
Girl’s Night Out – Grab your ladies and get out on the town for deals, giveaways and entertainment at some of your favourite shops and restaurants. 5pm at various locations. downtownvictoria.ca.
Victoria flower count – Each municipality is encouraged to take up the challenge to be the “Bloomingest Community” in Victoria. 250-360-2837, flowercount.com.
FRI. MAR. 2
VintAgeous Vintage Fair – Music, prizes, roaming fashion shows and more. 6pm at the Fernwood Community Centre (1240 Gladstone). SATURDAY 10am. $3. 250-590-1491, vintagefairvictoria.com.
SAT. MAR. 3
Escape Artists’ Annual Show and Sale – Artist demonstrations. SATURDAYS 11am at the Loft Art Gallery (2720 Mill Bay). Free. To Mar. 30. 250-743-4647, cvvw@valleyvinestowines.com.
LIMELIGHT YOUTH ART EXPERIENCE – Activism Through Art. Featuring a photo exhibition of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Live music, performance art, interactive workshops and a youth art exhibit. 11am at Cedar Hill Rec Centre (3220 Cedar Hill). Free. 250-475-5427, jason.jones@saanich.ca.
National Spin 4 Kids – In support of the GoodLife Kids Foundation. An eight-hour spin-a-thon. 10am at the Bay Centre (1150 Douglas). goodlifekids.com.
Tibetan National Uprising Day Walk and Rally – Canada Tibet Committee. Meet at Centennial Square at 12:15pm and walk to the Legislature for a rally at 1pm. 250-380-1235.
Victoria Orchid Society Show and Sale – Purchase a rare specimen unavailable elsewhere. A portion of the proceeds to the Victoria General and Royal Jubilee Hospitals. 9am SATURDAY and 10am SUNDAY at the Student Union Building (UVic). $6/$7. 250-217-4390, victoriaorchidsociety.ca.
SUN. MAR. 4
Look Good: Do Good Cut-A-Thon – Refreshments and door prizes. 12pm at Head Start Salon (1315 Cook). $15 suggested donation. 250-995-6419, swhissell@cridge.org.
TEA AND TOUR: ART CELBRATING THE FEMININE – Hand made paper embossings, paintings, sculpture, painted drums, cards and posters. Meet the artist Ann-Rosemary. 2pm at Dream Hill Studio (4515 Emily Carr). $10. Register at 250-658-8770, thegoddessworks@shaw.ca.
MON. MAR. 5
IdeaFest 2012 – Celebrate all that is creative and inventive in every corner of campus while having your curiosity piqued by researchers, scholars and artists that make the world a little bit more interesting. To Mar. 10 at UVic. Free. uvic.ca/ideafest.
TUES. MAR. 6
Guys’ Night Out Baby Time – Calling all babies and the men who love them for puppets, stories, and songs. For dads, stepdads, fosterdads, granddads and male caregivers with babies 0-15 months. TUESDAY 6:30pm at Saanich Centennial Branch (3110 Tillicum). 250-477-9030, gvpl.ca.
SENIOR LIVING EXPO – Over 110 interactive displays by senior-focused businesses, senior clubs and non-profit organizations. 9am at Pearkes Rec Center (3100 Tillicum). Suggested donation $2. 250-382-9676, cweatherhead@everyaspect.ca.
Laughter Yoga Presentation – Part of the 2012 Senior Living Expo. 2:15pm at Pearkes Rec Center (3100 Tillicum). victorialaughteryogaclub@gmail.com.
Ongoing
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
FRI. MAR. 2
SWING CITY – East Coast Swing lesson with John. 8pm at Edelweiss Hall (108 Niagra). Dance to follow. $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 – Cougar Ridge Hike. Begins at Roche Cove and follows the Cedar Grove Trail. Return via the Galloping Goose. Bring sturdy shoes and lunch. Meet at the parking lot off Gillespie Road SUNDAY 11am. 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 and 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.
Laughter Yoga – Exercises which stimulate laughter. Wear loose clothing, bring water if desired and a willingness to have fun and explore your childlike nature. SATURDAYS 1pm at Metta in Motion (1314A Esquimalt). 250-477-8608, victorialaughteryogaclub@gmail.com. Suggested donation $5-$15.
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 – Juan de Fuca Pathfinders, SATURDAY 5/10/11 km walk. Meet at My Chosen Café (4492 Happy Valley). 250-478-7020. Garden City Wanderers, SUNDAY 5/10 km walk (rated 2B). Meet in Gyro Park (Sinclair). Registration 9:30am, walk 10am. 250-727-6826.
Spiritual
MON. MAR. 5
MOSAIC FOR CHRIST – An opportunity to have a soup-er meal and learn about five denominations – how each came to be and what we have in common. 5:30pm at St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Cathedral (740 View). By donation. 250-383-5256, brendanest58@gmail.com.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
Interfaith and Aboriginal Peoples Bridging Event “First Conversations” – A dialogue with interfaith and Aboriginal peoples. Lunch provided. Everyone welcome. SATURDAY 9:30 am at St. Luke’s Anglican Church (3821 Cedar Hill Cross).
OPEN HOUSE: Help Us Improve Cook Street Playground Part II – The community is invited to drop by an open house to view displays, meet Parks planners, ask questions and complete a survey. WEDNESDAY 4pm at the Victoria Lawn Bowling Club (off Nursery in Beacon Hill Park). victoria.ca.
Toastmasters Junior Youth Leadership – Helping young people ages 8-11 build their communication and leadership skills. SATURDAYS 10:30am at Bruce Hutchison Branch. 250-727-0104, gvpl.ca.
Tech Buddies: Teen Volunteers at the Greater Victoria Public Library – Volunteer with older adults, using your skills with computers and other new technologies. Ages 13-18. FRIDAYS to Mar. 23, 3:15pm at Central Library. 250-413-0365, teens@gvpl.ca.
The Great After-Work, After-School Un-crumple – Massage and exercises to undo the effects of repetitive work on your hands, arms, and eyes. TUESDAYS 5:15pm at 200-535 Yates. $15, profits to local health & wellness charity. Space limited. 250-589-8655.
Arm Injury Repair and Prevention – Lunchtime presentation by local massage therapist. THURSDAYS 12:15pm at 200-535 Yates. $15, profits to local health & wellness charity. Space limited. 250-589-8655.
SUBMISSIONS WANTED – Maritime Museum is accepting art from kids 5-12 that represents what it means to live by the ocean. Deadline June 30. 250-385-4222, mdieno@mmbc.bc.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.
SINGERS WANTED – Uplifting church choir needs some guys. Ladies also welcome. Good for your sight-reading or whatever ails you. Rehearsals THURSDAYS, Fairfield United at Fairfield and Moss. 250-477-7791, maxnunu@gmail.com.
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.
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.
Alzheimer Society of B.C. Family Caregiver Series – SATURDAYS to Mar. 31, 10am at Esquimalt Rec Centre (527 Fraser). 250-412-8500 and cite Course 35338.
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 WANTED – Writers’ Choice Reviews needs volunteers for putting out a monthly non-profit book-reviewing newsletter, in print and online. Chance to hone your skills in writing, editorial, ad sales, and distribution. wcreviews@hotmail.com.
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
SECRETS OF CLAYQUOT SOUND – Join sea kayakers Dan Lewis and Bonny Glambeck of Tofino for an unforgettable journey through the natural beauty of Clayoquot Sound. THURSDAY 7:30pm in SSM120 (UVic).Suggested donation $8/$10. 250-388-9292, bonny@focs.ca.
Social Justice and the Law – One-day conference with keynote speaker David Eby, Executive Director, BC Civil Liberties Association. SATURDAY 8:30 am followed by a reception at 4:45pm. Rm 159 Fraser Bldg. $20.
Common cents = big change – Learn about permaculture principles, natural building, sustainable food production and leadership. SATURDAY 7pm at Ambrosia Event Centre (638 Fisgard). 250-743-3067, ourecovillage.org.
Discovery, Conquest and Evangelization of the Philippines – With Dr. Oscar Perez de Tagle. MONDAYS 7pm at the Bayanihan Community Centre (1709 Blanshard).
Indigenous Dramatic Arts in Theory, Process and Practice – Acclaimed Guna/Rappahannock actor and Toronto-based playwright Monique Mojica. Focussing on her five-year process of creating the play Chocolate Woman Dreams the Milky Way. TUESDAY 7pm in David Strong C122 (UVic).
Looking for Work in Post-Socialist China – With author Feng Xu. TUESDAY 12:30pm in Hickman 110 (UVic). capi.uvic.ca.
Free Yoga Philosophy Talks with Shirley Daventry French – Learn about Jnana Yoga and its relevance to your health and happiness. WEDNESDAY 1pm at the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria (202 – 919 Fort). 250-386–9642, iyoga@telus.net.
