Events
Thurs. Jan. 19
VICTORIA WHISKY FESTIVAL 2012 – Tastings, whiskey school, master-classes and more. To SATURDAY at the Hotel Grand Pacific (463 Belleville St.). $29-$99. 250-370- 9463.
SAT. Jan. 21
COOKEILIDH:Robbie Burns at Craigdarroch – Come celebrate Scottish poet Robbie Burns with an afternoon of Scottish festivities, Haggis, Bagpipes, and Celtic music by Cookeilidh as the Castle celebrates Robbie Burns Day. 11am at Craigdarroch Castle (1050 Joan Crescent). $5-$13.75. 250-592-5323.
INTRO TO CROCHET- This beginner’s workshop will allow you to learn a few basic stitches. Within a few hours of instruction, diagrams and assisted crocheting you will become familiar with beginning chains, single crochet stitch, double crochet stitch, increasing, decreasing, and joining rounds. The most exciting part—you will complete a project that will serve you, or a loved one well! $45. 10am at Craigdarroch Castle (1050 Joan Crescent). 250-592-5323.
Victoria Winter Farmers Market- The Victoria Downtown Public Market is back for a second delicious winter season. Shop for fresh local produce, cheeses, meats, poultry, breads, preserves and lots more tasty treats. 11am at Market Square (560 Johnson). Free. marycarmack@victoriapublicmarket.com.
WORLD DRUMS 2012: A Celebration of Rhythm – Featuring Weedie Braimah & Amadou Kouyate. 7:30pm at the McPherson (3 Centennial Square). $24.75. 250-386-6121.
Sun. Jan. 22
Chinese New Year: A Harmonious Celebration – Celebrate Chinese New Year with an afternoon of music and dance. Featuring VCM Students, Victoria Children’s Choir, Victoria Chinese Public School Choir and Dancers “Dragon Dance” and Victoria Chinese Culture Club Dancers “Fan Dance”. The Honourable Ida Chong will give the opening remarks and Victoria City Councillor Charlayne Thornton-Joe will be our MC. We welcome everyone to this exciting and colourful event. 2:30pm at Alix Goolden Hall (907 Pandora). Free. 250-386-5311 (ext. 2050).
Victoria Bridal Fair 2012 – In one day, in one beautiful venue, you can meet with over sixty local wedding professionals. They’ll share with you, information about the latest trends in weddings plus the services they’ll be happy to provide to help you and your future husband plan your special day. See the latest stunning creations in bridal gowns. The newest looks in men’s bridal wear will be featured as well, plus wedding party fashions and those for the mother of the bride and mother of the groom – all in one gorgeous fashion show. 10am at The Crystal Garden (713 Douglas). $18/$20. rsvp@bridalevents.ca.
wed. Jan. 25
DR. SKETCHY’S – Something Sketchy is about to happen in Victoria, and we want you to be a part of it. Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School, the alternative life-drawing organization. 8pm at the Superior Café (106 Superior). $12. drsketchy.com/branch/victoria.
Ongoing
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 – Ongoing weekly Sunday 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.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year- The wonders of nature like you’ve never seen them. This visually striking exhibition from the Natural History Museum showcases more than 100 photographs chosen from more than 40,000 international entries. To Apr. 9th at Royal BC Museum (675 Belleville). 250-356-7226.
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.
Spring Prelude indoor garden- This is 14th year of the Spring Prelude indoor garden display at Butchart Gardens. From its humble beginnings in 1999 the Spring Prelude has evolved into a world-class indoor floral display. $11-$21.95.
Dance
FRI. Jan. 20
Club Salsa- Free Salsa Lesson with Bernard followed by a night of dancing to Latin beats from DJ Ramesh and live music from Havana Mambo. 8:30pm at the Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad). $10. 1415broad.ca.
Swing City- Lesson is Two-Step with John. Dance to follow. 8pm at Edelweiss Hall (108 Niagara St ). $10/$8 for UVic students. 250-744-3666.
TUES. Jan. 24
Middle Eastern Belly Dancing- Beginner & Intermediate. belly dancing is a fun way to be active and fit! These classes are open to participants of all levels. Learn basic belly dance steps and put them together into beautiful dance sequences. An added bonus is improved core strength, posture, flexibility and muscle tone. Burn calories in a social and supportive environment. Instructor Pamela Ball. 8:15pm at the Esquimalt Rec Centre (527 Fraser). $88/8 classes. 250-412-8506.
ONGoing
Argentine and Nuevo Tango- For Beginners and Intermediate. SUNDAYS to March 25th. First hour, beginners. Second hour, returning beginners. Third hour, intermediate. The benefits of joining a series include regular instruction positively effects learning, a ten-minute review before class provides better retention of material, consistent practice greatly improves skill and musicality. All classes use a combination of traditional Argentine Tango, “Electronico” Tango and Neo-Tango music for dance. 2pm at the Martin Batchelor Galller (712 Cormorant). Drop in $12. Six weeks $45/$60. 778-432-0112.
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 – No partner or experience needed. Please wear soft-soled shoes. FRIDAYS 7pm at the Fairfield United Church (1303 Fairfield). $5/$4 students/free children under 12. 250-384-0592, balkanbarb@hotmail.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.
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
sun. Jan. 22
Winter Birds of Island View Beach – Island View Beach is one of the premiere winter birding locations in the region. Join a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist to look for hawks, owls, sea ducks, loons and more. Wear warm clothes and bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at the picnic shelter on Homathko Rd, off Island View Road. Free. 250-478-3344.
Ongoing
PICKLEBALL SPORT-FIt- This funny bride unique program combines sport and fitness in a fun way! You’ll be able to learn how to play Pickleball at our drop-in clinics. In addition to Pickleball, you’ll also receive 6 drop-in passes to our wellness centre, an orientation session and 2 personal training sessions. $34. MONDAYS, TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS 1:15pm. At the Esquimalt Rec Centre (527 Fraser St). 250-412-8500.
VICTORIA LAUGHTER YOGA CLUB – WEDNESDAYS 4:45pm at The Monterey Centre (19yrs +) Kathleen Roxborough leading. 1442 MontereyAvenue. 250-370-7300 or kate@laughterheals.ca. Be sure to book ahead, if possible and these are multi class sessions. THURSDAYS 7pm in Fernwood, Laughter Yoga Facilitator Gracie Gaughan. 250-590-0488. LaughterWorks@live.ca. MONDAYS 10:30am with Gene Furbee at 3200 Lynnwood Avenue (at Tolmie). Lynnwood Court, middle building in the lounge. Arrive early to ensure parking available. Suggested donation $5-10.
Walksmart Victoria – MONDAY-FRIDAY. Registration 8:50am. 9am at the Royal Oak McDonalds (4410 West Saanich). 250-479-4087 or walksmartvictoria@shaw.ca.
yoga lab – New to yoga or taking beginner classes? Join our teacher trainees for a yoga class and help us improve our teaching skills! No experience needed. By donation. THURSDAYS 9am to Feb.2nd. Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria (202 – 919 Fort St.). 250-386-9642.
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.
ASHTANGA BASICS – Come try a community class geared for all levels and great for beginners. THURSDAY 7-8:15pm ($6-10) & TUESDAY 9:30-10:45 (By donation) at The Yoga Shala (1322 Broad). 250-383-3849.
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). $13/$11 students. 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 – 5/10km walk. SUNDAY 10pm at the Harbour Towers Hotel (345 Quebec). 778-350-0861.
Spiritual
Thurs. Jan. 19
2012 John Albert Hall Lectures- Testimonies of the Spirit: Christianity, Media and the Politics of Confession. Examining the impact of changing media on Christian practices of confession over the past 100 years. THURSDAY. Media, Spirituality and Imagining Canada. FRIDAY Picturing the Soul: Protestant Missionaries and their Photographs. MONDAY Protestant Potlatch: Confession and the Ethics of Storytelling. WEDNESDAY Spiritual Radio: Testimony and the Optimism of Communications Technologies. 7pm at UVic SSM A102. Free. 250-721-6325.
Astrology and TaroT – Workshops in small groups, applied to participants’ charts and lives. THURSDAY Chinese New Year of the Water Dragon 3pm and 7pm. MONDAY Planetary Transits 7pm. WEDNESDAY Planetary Archetypes: Chiron- Wounded Healer / Shaman 3pm and 7pm. 429 Vancouver St. $20 first-timers. 250- 381-4299.
sun. Jan. 22
Walk Victoria Sunday Walks – 2012 Sunday weekly meditative walks. The purpose is to reflect on each of the weeks focused values of this year’s 2012 Cultivating Peace Project and combining this with letting Nature host the space for deepening our inner/outer connections. Join Renee of Walk-Victoria for developing and/or deepening your connection in the surroundings, letting nature be your host and creating community connections. 10 AM. “Integrity”- at Willows Beach, Cattle Point, Uplands Park. Meet up at Parking along Willows Beach. Moderate By donation. renee@insideawareness.com or 250-361-7508.
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.
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- In community partnership with a rich diversity of Victoria’s spiritual groups & individuals, the Church of Truth, Community of Conscious Living invites people of all faiths and beliefs to come together and experience the inherent Oneness of Humanity. Each Wednesday 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-1pm. Free. 250-595-4732.
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 7-9pm 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 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
Seeking singers – Newcombe Singers Choir welcomes new members, especially in the Tenor/Bass range. The ability to read music would be an advantage, but not a necessity. Attend the first two rehersals commitment free. TUESDAYS 7:30-9:30pm at St. Mary’s Church (1701 Elgin). 250-480-5087, newcombesingers.com.
call for submissions -Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria Artist in Residence Program at the Arts Centre at Cedar Hill is seeking artist applications. Deadline Feb 3rd at 5pm. www.cacgv.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.
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 Road. 250-389-1059 or 250-361-9878.
Soul Gospel in Victoria- The high-energy Victoria Sweet Soul Gospel Choir welcomes new singers of all levels to join us. First time is FREE. 5:45pm at Selkirk Montessori School (2970 Jutland Rd). 250-388-6687.
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.
LECTURE:LIFE ON ICE – An Alaskan couple trekked for two months learning about climate change and experiencing one of the largest tidewater glaciers- with a toddle and a baby in tow. TUESDAY 7pm at UVic A104 in the Bob Wright Centre. Free.WEDNESDAY 7pm at Robinson’s Outdoor Store (1307 Broad). $5. 250-385-3429. groundtruthtrekking.org.
The City Talks Presents: Governing the City Without: The Challenge of Global Suburbanism- Roger Keil Professor and Director, The City Institute at York University. This lecture is part of The City Talks, a distinguished lecture series hosted by the University of Victoria’s Committee for Urban Studies. The lecture series invites world-class urbanists to a public discussion of the prospects and challenges of cities. THURSDAY 7:30pm at the Legacy Art Gallery (630 Yates St). Free. 250-721-7283.
Co-op Community Wellness Clinic- Members of the Victoria Community Health Co-op are invited to enjoy this benefit of membership – great treatments for whatever donation you can afford. SUNDAY at the Co-op Community Health Centre. 250-483-5503.
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 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.
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.
Call for VEMA Volunteers- Are you calm under pressure? Want to assist your community in an emergency? Volunteer with the Victoria Emergency Management Agency, the City of Victoria’s resource for helping our community to be “emergency prepared.” We’re looking for people 19 years or older to join these four teams: Evacuee Assistance, Auxiliary Communications, Urban Search and Rescue, and Emergency Operations Centre. Free training provided. Learn more at our Volunteer Recruitment Session 7pm at Oaklands Community Centre (2827 Belmont Avenue). vema@victoria.ca or 250-920-3373.
