The Times Colonist has one email address for all events listings: listings@timescolonist.com

Include a brief (25 words or fewer) description of the event, date, time, address, price and phone number.

In the subject line, indicate your one preferred listing: Calendar, Galleries, Bulletin Board or Faith Chronicles.

Deadline is seven days prior to publication date at 5 p.m., earlier submissions are helpful. 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

Welcome Wagon Community Welcome event with 2012 Design Trends Presentation, gifts, meet new neighbours. Today, 2: 30-3: 30 p.m.

New residents to James Bay and downtown are invited to call 778-440-1047 to book a seat.

Free, no obligation event. End Homelessness: Meetings first and third Wednesdays, 7 p.m., at Silver Threads, Douglas and Herald, second and fourth Wednesdays, 1.30 p.m. at Our Place., 919 Pandora Ave. Tel. 250-480-4854.

SPECIAL INTERESTS AND HOBBIES

UVic Lecture: Beyond Occupy: Assembling the Future, featuring four panellists from the Assembly of Victoria who will share their experiences of being involved in the movement. Tuesday, 7: 30-10 p.m., UVic.

105 Hickman Building. Free. Contact wcarroll@uvic.ca, details at web.uvic.ca/socialjustice

UVic Lecture and Workshop: Anima and Animus: Bridge to the Soul.

Lecture, Friday, 7: 30-9: 30 p.m. at University of Victoria David Strong Building C116; Workshop: Fairfield Community Centre, 1330 Fairfield Rd. Cost: $15/$10. Contact lynnshawringham@shaw.ca or 778-440-2602. Details at cgyungsocietyvictoria.ca

Victoria Genealogical Society Workshop: Starting Your Research and Understanding the Resource Centre, presented by Diana Gaiger. Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon at 947 Alston St. Cost: $10/$15. To register, telephone 250-360-2808, details at victoriags.org

CTC Annual General Meeting: Business meeting of the Canada Tibet Committee and refreshments followed by the showing of the two films: Leaving Fear Behind and Lhamo Tso: Behind the Sea. Today, 1 p.m.

Tel. 250-380-1235.

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.

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 chandrac@shaw.ca or members.shaw.ca/cmvarcoe

Victoria Horseshoe Club at Glanford Park. Free youth program for 8-17 years, Wednesdays, 6: 30-8 p.m.

Adult drop-in fun mixed doubles, Fridays, 6: 45 p.m.

Singles 45 Plus speed dating and meet and greet. Socialize, play games or meet that special someone. Free.

Sundays, 2-6 p.m. Valentino's Café, 1002 Blanshard St. Reservations at 250-386-3223.

Toastmasters International welcomes guests. Find a time and place to suit at victoriatoastmasters.org.

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

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

Primary Schools For Africa Society is a non-profit charity that is building schools in Tanzania and has the following volunteer opportunities: An experienced bookkeeper to work parttime, 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 to 100,000+ visitors per year.

Contact 250-592-5323 x32 or ehazell@thecastle.ca.

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 volunteers@rivonline.org.

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 agel5@shaw.ca.

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.

Out of the Closet Renew Boutique, downtown's new thrift store, needs volunteers. Open every day at 1736 Douglas St. Tel. 250-590-2719.

Victoria Riding for the Disabled Association provides a therapeutic riding program for children and adults. No experience is necessary (we provide training), but volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Classes Monday-Thursday mornings and Tuesday-Thursday afternoons. 778-426-0506 or vrda@shaw.ca Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders needs animal rescue volunteers. Tel.

250-474-5581 or visit animalcrusaders.ca/how-to Volunteer Drivers for the Juan de Fuca Seniors Centre, class 4 drivers' licence required for a.m. and p.m. trips. Tel. 250-391-4921.

Volunteer Driver Dispatchers to coordinate drives for cancer clients to medical appointments through volunteer driver program.

Tel. 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 bc@kidshelpphone.ca.

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 cheryl@singleparentvictoria.ca 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 Parkway, 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.

Victoria Chapter of Bicycles for Humanity: B4H, a not-for-profit organization is seeking mountain bikes, spare parts and financial donations to facilitate shipment to Africa for use by villagers and medical teams. We will pick up. Contact 250-479-7415, lwille@telus.net or b4hvictoria@gmail.com

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.

Donation Drive at Out of the Closet Renew Boutique, grateful to have clothing books, movies, music, house wares, art/decorations (no electric items or furniture). Donations accepted 10 a.m.-4 p.m Sundays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays. 1736 Douglas St. Tel. 250-590-2719.

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 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, 1355 Mitchell St. Thrift Shop and Annex, every Friday and first Saturday of each month, 10 a.m.-12: 30 p.m.

250-384-5821.

SUPPORT GROUPS AND COUNSELLING

Beyond Affairs Network (BAN) - Are you dealing with the aftermath of learning about your spouse or partner's affair? BAN can help.

Contact Vancouver Island Co-ordinator at qualicumbeachban@yahoo.ca to learn more about our support group.

GriefShare Seminar, weekly support group for those struggling through the grieving process, Tuesdays, 1: 30-3 p.m., to April 24, Central Baptist Church, 833 Pandora Ave. Details at central@shaw.caSaanich Peninsula Stroke Recovery Branch, to assist members and their families. Mondays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tel. 250-652-3016.

Dual Recovery Anonymous, support group for recovery from both an addiction of any kind and a mental health issue, 941 Kings Rd., Tuesdays, 7: 30-8: 30 p.m. Tel. 250-384-4225 or visit dualrecoveryanon@gmail.com

Gamblers' Anonymous helps people who will play until their last dollar has gone. Meets Tuesdays, 150-2101 Richmond Rd., 7: 30-8: 30 p.m. Visit victoriaga.org

Overeaters Anonymous may have the answer for compulsive eaters. No fees, dues or weigh-ins, meetings daily. Newcomers meeting Saturdays at 10: 30 am at CHR Health Unit, 947 Cook St. Tel. 250-413-3093.

Borderline Personality Support Group drop-in. Family members/ friends welcome. First and third Wednesday of each month, 941 Kings Rd., 7 p.m. Contact: 250-383-5144 ex. 2127 or bpdvictoria@gmail.com Seniors Entitlement Service, assisting seniors with pensions, health care and other issues at Blanshard Community Centre, 901 Kings Rd.

Trained advocates are on duty. Tel. 250-388-7696, ext. 223.

Al-Anon: Are you troubled by someone else's drinking? Tel. 2503834020.

Victoria Women's Transition House offers group and individual counselling to women age 50-plus who have experienced intimate partner abuse (emotional, psychological, financial, verbal, physical) and/or any abuse from their adult children. No cost involved. Tel. 250-385-6611.

Postpartum Depression Support. VIHA public health nurses lead weekly support groups plus occasional evening education sessions for families. Call your local health unit or visit the VIHA website at viha.ca Grief and Loss Group: drop-in program. Tuesdays, 10: 30 a.m., Saanich Silver Threads, 286 Hampton Rd. and Thursdays, 10 a.m., Victoria Silver Threads, 1728 Douglas St. Tel. 250-382-3151 before attending.

Origins offers resources and support for mothers and children separated by adoption and seeking to connect.

Tel. 250-419-1200 or visit originscanada.org.

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 fernwoodcontact@gmail.com.

Nicotine Anonymous meets Saturdays, 10: 30 a.m.-noon at 1076 Joan Cres. Tel. 250-388-3151.

NarAnon, support for family and friends of drug addicts. Meetings Mondays, 7-8: 30 p.m. at 5500 Hamsterly Rd., Thursdays, 7-8: 30 p.m. at Saanich Neighbourhood Place, Pearkes Arena. Tel. 250-704-2801.

SELF IMPROVEMENT, SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Hypatia Salon: A Feminist Philosophy Forum, a new discussion group bringing women and men together for the advancement of topics relating to women. Founding night topic: How is feminism relevant for today and tomorrow? Tonight at 7, James Joyce Bistro, Douglas Street at View. Free.

Oneness Wednesdays Presents: Living Music: Learning Life Skills Through Music with Brian Martin. Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 7-8: 30 p.m. at Church of Truth, 111 Superior St. Free or by donation. Tel. 250-380-6383 or cotvictoria.ca.

Victoria Pranic Healers Centre weekly meditation with healing clinics, Mondays, 7 p.m., Tuesdays, 1 p.m. at 847 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 TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly): A non-profit, non-commercial, affordable weight loss support and wellness education organization meets weekly. For details, visit tops.org, tel. 1-800-932-8677 or contact connerly@telus.net.

Buddha Discovery Service, Nichiren Buddha Society, Sundays. Details at tel. 778-722-0155 or VIRetreats.com 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. Learn English, make new friends and join in some of the activities at the Centre.

Free ESL Classes at Central Baptist Church. Sundays, 9: 30-10: 15 am. 833 Pandora Ave. Tel. 250-385-7786 or go to centralbaptistchurch.ca.

Ladies Fitness/Self-Defence. Free, meet every Wednesday, 8 p.m., 4091 Braefoot Rd. Tel. 250-882-8831.

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:

- Wednesdays: Bodhichitta Centre, 7: 30-9 p.m., Esquimalt Rec Centre, Sidney Public Library and Fairfield United Church, 7: 30-9 p.m.

- Thursdays: James Bay United Church, 7: 30-9 p.m. and Gordon United Church, Langford, 7: 30-9 p.m.

- Free noon meditation: Mon.-Fri., 12: 15-12: 45 p.m.

- Kid's Dharma Class, activities include a spiritual topic, story time and arts and crafts. Classes are taught by experienced Dharma students.

Drop-in for ages 4-10. Next class, Feb. 5.

Falun Gong: Special qigong method for cultivation practice of mind and body. Free. Tel. 250-658-2089.

Massage with Vitality Plus Program. First session is $10. Cook Street Village Activity Centre, 380 Cook St.

Certified chair practitioner. Tel. 250-590-2220 for appointment. 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