SELF IMPROVEMENT, SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Ladies' Cardio-Fit Program at Central Baptist Church. Mondays and Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. 833 Pandora Ave. Free. Tel. 250-385-7786.

Thai Yoga Massage ongoing classes. For information call 250-896-2547 or mia_thaiyoga@yahoo.ca.

www.victoriathaiyogamassage.com

Mindful Yoga with Misha Gitberg at Oneness Wednesdays through February, 7-8:30 p.m. Church of Truth, Community of Conscious Living, 111 Superior St. Free or by donation. Tel. 250-380-6383 or cotvictoria.ca

Taoist Tai Chi for improved health 865 Catherine St. in Vic West. Visit www.taoist.org. Tel. 250-383-4103.

Vipassana Meditation Sit at Lynn Wylie Yoga Studio, 1600 Bay St. Sundays, 7-9 p.m. By donation. Visit http://victoriavipassana.org or e-mail brock1492@shaw.ca

Free ESL Classes at Central Baptist Church. Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. 833 Pandora Ave. Tel: 250-385-7786.

Free ESL Lessons with SPEAKWELL English Conversation Program. Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., Gordon Head Lawn Bowling Bldg. (next to Gordon Head Rec Centre). Contact: speakwellesl@gmail.com or

250-721-0497.

Discover Your Buddha Nature. ShoDai Peace Chant, Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Discovery Buddha Service, Sundays: 10:30 a.m. 60 Queens Rd. Duncan. Tel. 250-710-7594 or visit: www.penlan.com

Transcendental Meditation -- free introductory lectures. Physician recommended to reduce stress, anxiety and high blood pressure. Wednesdays, 7:45 p.m. Tel. 250-383-9822 or go to www.doctorsontm.com for details.

Health and Healing. Supporting your journey to vibrant health. Massage, shiatsu, acupuncture, counselling, meditation with certified practitioners. Sliding scale. Dewachen Healing Centre, Yeshe Khorlo Society. Tel. 250-883-8840 or e-mail dewachen-shiatsu@live.com.

Qi Gong with Master Hing Cheung. Meditation, six healing sounds and the bone marrow-washing. Tel. 250-592-9380.

Subud, a non-profit spiritual organization open to people of all faiths as well as to people who are not religious. We meet twice a week at a downtown location where we practise a spiritual receiving. Tel. 250-658-7014.

Meditation Tuesdays, 7 p.m. at Victoria Truth Centre, 1201 Fort St. Facilitated by Stacy Sully. Drop-ins always welcome.

Bodhichitta Buddhist Centre: 2020A Douglas St. Tel. 250-592-7164 or visit www.meditateinvictoria.org.

n Free Lunchtime Meditation Break Monday-Thursday, 12:15-12:45 p.m.

n Drop-in Classes for beginners and experienced meditators. Cost: $10. Mondays, 7-8.30 p.m. Esquimalt United Church, 500 Admirals Rd.; Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. Fairfield United Church, 1303 Fairfield Rd.; Thursdays 7-8.30 p.m. James Bay United Church, 511 Michigan St.; Gordon United Church, 935 Goldstream Ave.; Greenglade Community Centre, 2151 Lannon Way, Sidney.

ESL taught by professional teachers. At VIRCS we speak 14 languages. Find jobs or training for immigrants. Tel. 250-361-9433.

Hsin I Tai Chi and Qi Gong: Reduces stress and promotes physical/mental health, balance and flexibility. Now at James Bay United Church, 511 Michigan St. Visit www.hsin-i.com or tel. 250-857-8002.

Victoria Meditation Group of Self-Realization Fellowship. Sunday Readings Service, 11 a.m.-noon; Thursday Inspirational and Prayer Service: 8-9:15 p.m. 202-2504 Government St. Tel. 250-588-3235, www.victoriameditationgroup.org

A Course in Miracles Study Group.

n Victoria Truth Centre, 1201 Fort St. Mondays, 7-9 p.m., by donation.

Tel. 250-370 9479.

n Centre for Self Awareness, 7925 E. Saanich Rd. Contribution basis.

Tel. 250-477-7960.

Falun Gong: Qi gong and meditation. Wednesdays, 5 p.m., at 1240 Gladstone Ave. Free. Tel. 250-658-2089.

Buddhist Meditation for beginners at UVic Interfaith Chapel with Zen monk and Buddhist Chaplain Ven. Eshu. Tuesdays, 6:45-8 p.m. Tel. 250-642-7936 or e-mail: zen@uvic.ca.

SUPPORT GROUPS AND COUNSELLING

V.I Multiple Myeloma support group meeting. Monday, 1-2:30 p.m., Wellness Centre, Aberdeen Hospital, 1450 Hillside Ave. Tel. 250-656-9392.

Victoria Prostate Cancer Support Association meeting for patients, survivors and families. Dr. Maria Vlachaki, head of Vancouver Island Cancer Centre Radiation Department. speaks on non- invasive radiation therapy options. Tuesday, 7 p.m. in Begbie Hall, 2101 Richmond Rd. Tel. 250-388-0214.

Victoria Women's Transition House offers education and support groups in Victoria and Sidney for older women (50 plus) who have experienced abuse or continue to experience abuse/verbal/emotional/physical/ financial). No cost. Tel. 250-592-2927 ext 223.

Family Caregivers' Network Society, support groups for family caregivers in James Bay, Sidney, Saltspring Island and Pender Island. Tel. 250-384-0408 or visit www.familycaregiversnetwork.org.

You don't have to drink to suffer from alcoholism. Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups is a worldwide self-help organization for families and friends of alcoholics. Tel. 250-383-4020.

Mental Health and Addictions support group. Meets Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30 p.m. 941 Kings Rd. Contact john.dravictoria@yahoo.com.

Alcoholics Anonymous -- meetings daily in Greater Victoria. Visit www. aavictoria.ca or call 250-383-7744.

The Cultural Bridging Host Project helps welcome the world to Victoria. New immigrants and refugees are matched one-on-one with someone from Victoria. Meet weekly for friendship. Tel. 250-361-9433 ext. 242 or aviva@vircs.bc.ca for details.

Employment help -- for injured workers (free help with résumés, cover letters, career counselling and job information); for older workers and seniors (résumés, cover letters, interview skills and job information plus support while you look for work). Tel. 250-386-8521.

LifeRing Secular Recovery peer- support addiction recovery group on Vancouver Island. Tel. 250-920-2095 or visit www.liferingcanada.org.

Overeaters Anonymous meets Mondays, 7:15 to 8:45 p.m., at the Seniors Centre, 286 Hampton Rd. Tel. 250-658-4889 or 250-413-3093.

Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre. Do you have a hearing loss and need support in finding work? Tel. 250-592-8144 or e-mail: tracy@idhhc.ca.

Nicotine Anonymous meets Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon, 1402 Broad St. Tel. 388-3151.

SPECIAL INTERESTS AND HOBBIES

Victoria Natural History Society presentation: The Marmots of North America with guest David Robichaud. Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. in Room 159 of the Fraser Building, UVic. Bring a coffee mug. Go to www.vicnhs.bc.ca.

Victoria Flower Arrangers Guild meeting. Tuesday, 7 p.m. Garth Homer Centre, 813 Darwin Ave. Workshop: Parallel design. Pre-registration and payment required. Tel. 250-655-1524 or e-mail helenbertc@shaw.ca.

Gandharva vocal music classes for women. Course designed by Anita Roy, M.A. Music, M.Phil. No singing experience needed. Tel 250-383-9822.

Home Office Support Team monthly meeting with guest Vic Lindal: The Best Do What the Rest are Not Prepared To Do. Friday, 10 a.m.-noon (doors open at 9:45 a.m.) The Pantry, 202-3214 Douglas St. Cost: $15 for non-members. Tel. 250-598-6326.

Oak Bay High School New building information evening. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. preceeded by the alumni general meeting, 6:30 p.m. 2101 Cadboro Bay Rd.

Canadian Department of Peace Initiative, Victoria Chapter meeting. Topic: Progress report on federal legislation and letter writing on nuclear disarmament and climate change. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. 45 Cambridge St., S. Fairfield, basement meeting room. Contact: sarbess@shaw.ca.

UVic's Interfaith Services public lecture series: Tough Questions for Religion. Tuesday, 4:30-6 p.m. in the David Lam Auditorium, MacLaurin A144. Is My Religion Cramping Your Sex Life? with Rabbi Barak Cohen (Jewish); Reverend Lucy Reid (Anglican); and Venerable Eshu Martin (Buddhist).

Monthly Coffee Club, an informal gathering to share ideas about current events, the economy and investing with Jan Noble Grewar, CFP, Edward Jones. Tuesday, 3-4:30 p.m. Saanich Commonwealth Place, 4636 Elk Lake Dr. Tel. 250-658-1299.

Technical Writers of Victoria: Meets Tuesday, 7 p.m to discuss methods and tools. 201-4420 Chatterton Way. Contact: victoria.writers@gmail.com

Victoria Village Squires male barbershop chorus. We practise Tuesdays, 7 p.m. at Elk Lake Baptist Church. Tel. 250-472-2626 or visit our website at www.evg.org/villagesquires.

Juan de Fuca Community Orchestra. Join us Wednesday nights, Juan de Fuca 55+ Centre. Tel. 250-474-2149.

Do you like playing folk music with other young musicians? Go to www.banyantreefolk.ca

The Mankind Project -- Men's Circle. Meets every Wednesday -- men supporting men. Contact

250-483-5438 or e-mail wobh2001@yahoo.com.

Victoria Golden Rods and Reels Fishing and Social Club. 9 a.m. every Tuesday, 1728 Douglas St. (Silver Threads Hall) Meeting, speakers and social. www.goldenrodsandreels.com

Scrabble Night. Play on our boards or bring your own. Tuesdays, 6:30-9 p.m. James Bay Coffee and Books, 143 Menzies St. Tel. 250-386-4700.

Victoria's PC Computer Club, Big Blue and Cousins, members helping members. 85A Burnside W. Weekends, 12-4 p.m. and Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tel. 250-382-3934.

Victoria Genealogical Society library in Vic West is a place for family tree research. Visit VictoriaGS.org or call 250-360-2808 for more information. Beginners welcome.

Chess. Mondays, 6:30-10:30 p.m., 1724 Douglas St. Wednesdays, 1:30-4 p.m., Esquimalt Recreation Centre, 527 Fraser St. Masters to beginners, all ages. Tel. 250-388-5187.

Victoria Singles Social Club. Folks aged 50+ meet for socializing, darts and other activities. Every Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. James Bay Inn, 270 Government St. Tel. 250-388-7653.

COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SOCIAL ACTIVISM

Perception of Risk and Use of Personal Protective Equipment study requires participants. It would involve an interview 40-90 minutes in length. All interview data will be confidential. To participate, you must be a paramedic in B.C. For details or to volunteer for this study, contact: Leanne Wiltsie, graduate student, department of Anthropology. Tel. 250-208-4107 or e-mail: wiltsie@uvic.ca. Study has received ethics clearance through the Office of Research Services, UVic.

Queer Victoria Christians, for GBLT Christians and those seeking God, First Met United, 932 Balmoral Rd. Friday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. Contact QVC@shaw.ca or 250-544-8312. Sponsored by the Victoria Presbytery of the United Church.

Blood Donor Clinic, 12:30-7:15 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 3449 Saanich Rd. Tel.

1-888-236-6283.

Peace Vigil. Wednesdays at the cenotaph, Belleville at Government streets, noon to 1 p.m. Tel. 250-383-5007.

Committee to End Homelessness in Victoria: Thursdays, at Silver Threads, 2728 Douglas St. Tel 250-480-4854.

FUNDRAISERS,

DONATION DRIVES

AND THRIFT STORES

King and Queen of Hearts Poker Tournament: Victoria Highlanders Football Club Society fundraiser for youth soccer development on Vancouver Island. Friday, 6 p.m.-midnight, the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort. $195 for poker tournament, $99 for boudoir photography. Tel. 250-590-8432 or visit www.victoriahighlandersfc.com

African AIDS Angels needs pinking shears and costume jewellery to make decorative angels, the money from which supports HIV/AIDs affected people in Africa. Drop off at James Bay Community Project, 547 Michigan St. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit africanaidsangels.googlepages.com.

Bicycles for Humanity is seeking donations of good used mountain bikes, spare parts and financial donations to ship bikes to Africa. Tel. 250-479-7415 or cw-iman@hotmail.com. Visit www.bicycles-for-humanity.org

Victoria Hospice Thrift Boutique, 1315 Cook St., accepts donations of ladies clothing, accessories, small housewares, jewelry, books and collectibles. Mon. to Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tel. 250-361-4966.

Silver Threads Thrift Store, 1728 Douglas St. Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Find treasures or make donations. Tel. 250-388-4268.

Community Closet thrift store, 435 Simcoe St. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; accepting donations at those times. New volunteers welcome.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Advocates needed for seniors non-profit community garden in Crofton establishing communitications with business/community leaders. Contact: info@foxglovecommunitygardens.org or 250-246-4967.

Activities Unlimited of Cowichan Valley, non-profit benefiting seniors, needs volunteers for fundraising and events for its Foxglove Community Gardens, Crofton. Contact: info@

foxglovecommunitygardens.org

or 250-246-4967.

The non-profit Seniors Entitlement Service is training volunteer advocates in early February, to assist seniors with their problems. Tel. 250-360-1068 or why2342@hotmail.com.

Seniors' male choir is seeking a volunteer director. Practice Saturday morning, entertain Wednesday afternoons. Tel. 250-382-3131.

Royal Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary wants enthusiastic volunteers to help in our gift shop. Training is provided and each shift is four hours long. Contact bjpfaff@telus.net.

Volunteers needed to assist individuals with disabilities in getting out and being active. Contact Recreation Integration Victoria at 250-477-6314 ext. 15 or volunteers@rivonline.org

Seniors Serving Seniors training sessions on seniors' issues. Tel. 250-382-4331.

Help Beacon Community Services and the Victoria Cool Aid Society operate a new thrift store downtown. We are looking for volunteers. Tel. 250-595-8619 or www.coolaid.org

Volunteer Drivers required for the on-call list to drive the Juan de Fuca senior's bus. A Class 4 licence is required. Tel. 250-391-4921.

Volunteer with the NEED Crisis and Information Line. Two years, negotiable, approx. six hours per month. Tel. 250-386-6328 or visit www.needcrisis.bc.ca.

Single Moms. Mentors needed for the Moms and Mentors Program, Single Parent Resource Centre. Weekly connection with mom, interesting monthly meeting for all moms and mentors. Tel. 250-721-5995.

Knitters and Crocheters: Blanket squares needed, either knit or crocheted, or your help in creating blankets. Michaels craft room, Thursday afternoons. Tel. 250-370-1517.

Capital City Volunteers seek people to visit or drive seniors. Ccontact

250-380-0660 or www.capitalcityvolunteers.org.

Senior residents need drivers, shopping assistants, tea servers and visitors. Tel. 250-477-1167 or CHC1505@shaw.ca.

Kids Help Phone is looking for 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 www.kidstart.ca

Saanich Volunteer Services needs drivers, visitors and gardeners to help a neighbour. Tel. 250-595-8008.

Peer Helpers -- Single Parent Resource Centre seeks volunteers to help single parents using the centre. Submit résumés and covering letter to cheryl@singleparentvictoria. ca or tel. 250-385-1114, ext. 226.

Victoria Riding for the Disabled Association provides a therapeutic riding program for children and adults with disabilities. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Tel. 778-426-0506 or e-mail vrda@shaw.ca

Volunteers wanted to help people with disabilities. Victoria Tetra chapter. Tel. 250-474-5939.4 The Times Colonist has one e-mail address for all events listings: listings@tc.canwest.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.