BULLETIN BOARD
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Mail to Times Colonist, Box 300, Victoria, B.C., V8W 2N4, Attn. Listings. Fax to: 250-380-5353. Questions? Call 250-380-5337.
COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SOCIAL ACTIVISTS
End Homelessness: Meetings first and third Wednesdays, 7 p.m. at Silver Threads, Douglas and Herald, second and fourth Wednesdays, 1 p.m. at Our Place., 919 Pandora Ave. Tel. 250-480-4854.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Ladies Fitness/Self-Defence. Free, meet every Wednesday, 8 p.m., 4091 Braefoot Rd. Tel. 250-882-8831.
Saanich Peninsula Stroke Recovery Branch, to assist members and their families. Mondays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tel. 250-652-3016. TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly): A non-profit, non-commercial, affordable weight loss support and wellness education organization meets weekly. Visit tops.org, call 1-800-932-8677 or write [email protected].
Massage with Vitality Plus Program. First session is $10. Certified chair practitioner. Cook Street Village Activity Centre, 380 Cook St. Tel. 250-590-2220 for appointment.
SELF IMPROVEMENT, SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Evening meditation with the Victoria Insight Meditation Society, a 45-minute meditation followed by a taped or live presention on Buddhist teachings. Sundays, 7-9 p.m. Lynn Wylie-Helga Beer Yoga studio, 202-1600 Bay St. By donation. Visit VictoriaIMS.org for information.
A Course in Miracles: In-depth study of course principles. Mondays, 7-9 p.m. at James Bay New Horizons Community Centre. Cost: $2.
Tel. 250-220-9797. Transcendental Meditation: weekly meditation programs, beginner and advanced programs; group meditations; advanced lectures and discussions led by certified instructors.
Contact: 250-383-9822 or [email protected] or visit meditationvictoria.org Free adult ESL classes with free childcare at SPEAKWELL ESL English conversation program. Wednesdays, 7-8: 30 p.m. at Gordon Head Lawn Bowling Bldg (next to Gordon Head Rec Centre). Contact 250-721-0497 or [email protected].
Free ESL Classes at Central Baptist Church, 833 Pandora Ave. Sundays, 9: 30-10: 15 a.m. Tel. 250-385-7786; centralbaptistchurch.ca Free ESL classes for Seniors, Wednesdays, 1-2 p.m. in the Juan de Fuca 55+ Activity Centre, 1767 Island Highway. Membership is required.
There is financial help through the LIFE program.
Victoria Pranic Healing and Meditation Centre: A compassionate, healing guided meditation. Mondays, 7 p.m., followed by healing clinic and Tuesdays, 1 p.m., relaxing lunch time experience. 839 Fisgard St.
Tel. 250-590-1398. ShoDai Meditation, Wednesdays, Cowichan University Campus, Duncan. Buddha Discovery Service, Nichiren Buddha Society, Sundays.
Details at tel. 778-722-0155 or VIRetreats.com Modern Buddhism: Discover the power of meditation. For complete schedule of classes, retreats and special events, please contact Bodhichitta Buddhist Centre, 2020A Douglas St. Tel. 250-592-7164 or visit MeditateInVictoria.org.
Weekly drop-in classes $10:
- Mondays, Bodhichitta Centre, 7-9 p.m. or Sidney Public Library, 10: 30 a.m.-noon.
- Wednesdays: Esquimalt Rec Centre, 7: 15-8: 45 p.m. or Fairfield United Church, 7: 30-9 p.m.
Falun Gong: Special qigong method for cultivation practice of mind and body. Free. Tel. 250-658-2089.
Way of Mastery: From sleep to wakefulness, from illusion to reality, from fear to love. Wednesdays, 7-9: 30 p.m., 415-200 Dallas Rd. By donation. Tel. 250-920-0948 first.
Making the Divine Connection: Meditation on the Inner light and sound presented by Science of Spirituality. All programs free of charge. Tel. 250-479-5731 or go to sos.org
SPECIAL INTERESTS AND HOBBIES
The Monterey Note-ables, a group of seniors, begin rehearsals at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre on Sunday, Oct. 14 in preparation for their 17th annual April show. We welcome new members with any experience in singing and dancing or backstage work. Rehearsals every Sunday. No charge for membership, but all members must first be members of the Monterey Centre. Tel. 250-477-0989.
Melodears Singers, choir of 12 ladies need director and one soprano. Friendly, fun-loving group. Rehearsals every Monday afternoon, concerts twice a month, mostly at seniors' residences. Tel. 250-477-0614.
Peninsula Panthers are looking for billet families for the upcoming 2012-13 Season. If you are interested in hosting a young (17-18 years old) up-and-coming hockey player, please contact Tanya, tel. 250-889-6884.
Vic High Class of '72 40th Reunion, Sept. 22. Contact: tel. 250-386-7272 or [email protected] Golden Rods & Reels Fishing & Social Club meets Tuesdays, 9 a.m., at 1728 Douglas St. Monthly fishing demo and instruction. For information, visit goldenrodsandreels.com.
Victoria Model Shipbuilding Society meets the second Thursday of every month at 7: 30 p.m. at St. Peter's Anglican Church Hall, St. Peter's Road. New members are welcome.
Tel. 250-385-9552. Saanich Songmen welcome male seniors who can carry a tune (no auditions). Friendly, fun group singing popular standards. Rehearse Saturdays, 9: 30-11: 30 a.m. and give concerts every Wednesday afternoon. Tel. 250-361-9878 or 250-382-3151.
Victoria Mandolin Orchestra welcomes new members on various instruments, guitar and bass. Intermediate level playing and music reading. Practice Tuesdays 7: 30-9: 30 p.m. Contact [email protected] or members.shaw.ca/cmvarcoe Toastmasters International welcomes guests. Find a time and place to suit at information to [email protected].
Village Squires barbershop chorus practises every Tuesday 7-10 p.m. at Centennial United Church, 612 David St. (at Gorge Rd. E.) Tel. 250-472-2626 or visit evg.org/vsquires
VOLUNTEERING
Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association for children and adults with disabilities. We need volunteers 16 or older who enjoy horses and people. No experience is necessary, (we provide training). Classes are held Monday and Thursday mornings and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Tel. 778-426-0506 or [email protected]
Fifth Annual Chef Survival Challenge in which chefs take on the obstacle course and create fantastic foods. Volunteers required for Sunday, Sept. 30. chefsurvivalchallenge.com for details. To participate, contact [email protected].
Oak Bay Lodge is looking for a volunteer to bring senior residents to the hair salon. Regular shift is every Friday 8: 45-noon, training is provided. Contact 250-370-6642 or [email protected]
Upcoming fundraiser needs: cashiers, pet watchers, MC, prize assistant, food assistants (no cleaning or cooking) general, stage assistant, promotions assistants, photographers, videographer, event assistant. All ages welcome. Contact doggyidol.com
Habitat for Humanity Victoria needs volunteers: Restore sales and warehouse assistants; committee members and special events volunteers. For more information, contact Hazel Yeo, volunteer co-ordinator, tel. 250-480-7688 ext 101 or [email protected]
Board of Directors: Centennial Day Care Society seeks new board members interested in supporting young families and contributing to a small non-profit society. Tel. 250-479-0334.
LifeRing Secular Recovery is looking for board members and volunteers. Exciting opportunities available at liferingcanada.org/get-involved or tel. 250-598-1389.
Volunteers needed by local book reviewing newsletter: writerschoicereviews.com. Help needed with all phases, reviewing, selling ads, distribution and production. All ages welcome, contact [email protected]
Crystal Clear Drug Prevention Society seeks volunteer board members. Our mission is to stop illicit drug use before it starts. Contact Don Monsour, 250-589-1001 or becrystalclear.com
B.C. SPCA Wild ARC welcomes new animal care volunteers who are passionate about helping wildlife in distress. Visit wildarc.com to apply.
Primary Schools For Africa Society, a non-profit charity that is building schools in Tanzania, has the following volunteer opportunities: An experienced bookkeeper to work part-time, about four or five hours per month, and energetic promoters and presenters. Tel. 250-598-4207.
Saanich Volunteer Services seeks drivers, visitors and home repair persons to help a neighbour. Tel. 250-595-8008.
Craigdarroch Castle is seeking volunteer docents and cashiers. Join a dynamic and diverse team and help share the history of Victoria and the castle with 100,000+ visitors per year. Contact 250-592-5323 x32 or [email protected].
Seniors Serving Seniors: Return to Health Program. Volunteers needed to provide social support and encouragement to isolated and lonely seniors before, during and after a hospitalization. Tel. 250-382-4331.
Recreation Integration Victoria needs volunteers to share recreational interests with a person with a disability. Contact the leisure assistance coordinator at 250-477-6314 or [email protected].
Victoria Branch of Victoria's Quilts Canada makes quilts for people with cancer in B.C. If you would like to volunteer or donate fabric, batting or flannelette, email [email protected].
Knitters and Crocheters: Blanket squares needed, either knit or crocheted, or help in creating blankets. Michaels craft room, Thursday afternoons, 1-4: 30 p.m. Tel. 250-727-6786. Volunteer at downtown's new thrift store, Out of the Closet Renew Boutique, open every day at 1736 Douglas St. Tel. 250-590-2719.
Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders needs animal rescue volunteers. Tel.
250-474-5581 or visit animalcrusaders.ca/how-to Volunteer Driver Dispatchers to coordinate drives for cancer clients to medical appointments through volunteer driver program. 250-414-4253 or see cancervolunteer.ca Single Moms: Mentors needed for the Moms and Mentors Program, Single Parent Resource Centre. Weekly connection with mom, monthly meeting for all moms and mentors. Tel.
250-721-5995. Capital City Volunteers seeks people to visit or drive. Tel. 250-380-0660 or capitalcityvolunteers.org.
Kids Help Phone seeks volunteer student ambassador liaisons in the Victoria area. Tel. 1-877-267-7057 or [email protected].
Volunteer Mentors needed for young people at risk of becoming involved with crime. Tel. 250-386-3428 or kidstart.ca
Peer Helpers - Single Parent Resource Centre seeks volunteers to help single parents using the centre. Send resumé and covering letter to [email protected] or 250-385-1114, ext. 226.
FUNDRAISERS AND THRIFT STORES
Big Brothers Big Sisters clothing drive: support mentoring programs for children in our community by donating gently used clothing, beddings and linens. We now have an attended donation station at the parking lot of Canadian Tire, 855 Langford Pky., every Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. or tel.
250-385-7226 for free pickup. Victoria Hospice Thrift Boutique, profits to Victoria Hospice end-of-life care. Help by donating better-quality fashions, jewelry, accessories, collectibles and household items. 1315 Cook St., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Tel. 250-361-4966.
EMI Gift Shop, 2334 Trent St. New, used books, clothing, jewelry etc. Proceeds to clients of CMHA. Tel. 250-370-8497.
Canadian Diabetes Clothesline program needs usable clothing. Free pickup. Tel. 250-380-3024.
Community Closet thrift store, 435 Simcoe St. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.4 p.m.; accepts donations at those times. New volunteers welcome.
CHURCH THRIFT SHOPS
- Gordon Head United Church Thrift Shop, 4201 Tyndall Ave., Monday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 250-477-4142.
- St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Thrift Shop, 680 Courtney St., first and third Tuesday, 10 a.m.-noon. 250-384-5734.
- St. Aidan's Thrift Shop, 3703 St. Aidan's St. 250-477-2089 ext. 7. Open Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and the last Saturday of the month, 9: 30 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Church of Our Lord Thrift Shop, 626 Blanshard St. Friday, 9: 30 a.m.-1: 30 p.m. 250-383-8915.
- James Bay United Church Thrift Shop, 517 Michigan St. Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 250-384-5821.
- Oak Bay United Church, corner of Granite and Mitchell. Thrift Shop/Annex Fridays, 10-2 p.m.; annex open first Sat. of month, 10-noon. 250-598-5021 ext 0.
SUPPORT GROUPS AND COUNSELLING
Compassionate Friends, a self-help group for parents who have experienced the death of a child at any age, from any cause, meets, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m. at the First Memorial Funeral Services, 4725 Falaise Dr. Free. Tel. 250-478-9270.
Nicotine Anonymous meeting at 1078 Joan Cres., Saturdays, 10: 30 a.m.-noon. Tel. 250-388-3151. Everyone welcome.
Borderline Personality Support Group drop-in. Family/friends welcome. First and third Wednesdays of each month, 7 p.m. at 941 Kings Rd. Tel. 250-383-5144, Ext. 2127 or [email protected].
Al-Anon: Do you love an alcoholic? Do you suffer from another's drinking? Find us at 250-383-4020 or bcyukon-al-anon.org NarAnon: For families and friends of drug addicts. Meetings Mondays, 7-8: 30 p.m., 5500 Hamsterly Rd. and Wednesdays, 7-8: 30 p.m. at Pearkes Arena, 3100 Tillicum Rd.
Tel. 250-704-2801. For men only: An ongoing facilitated support group for men committed to living a nonviolent life style. Every Monday night, minimal cost. For details, contact [email protected] Beyond Affairs Network - Are you dealing with the aftermath of learning about your spouse or partner's affair? BAN can help. Contact the Vancouver Island co-ordinator at [email protected] to learn more about our support group.
Sex Addicts Anonymous Victoria presents two 12-step groups to help people recover from porn, sex, love and romance addictions, meeting weekly. Tel. 250-592-1916 or [email protected].