Used Around Town April 2021

Victoria Symphony presents Min Plays Mozart – March 18 – April 16

Lorraine Min has been praised by the New York Times for her “impeccable phrase-shaping” and “crystalline sound,” For this program, this local musical treasure is reunited with the orchestra for what is arguably Mozart’s most famous work for keyboard, his Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major. Also included on the program are Tchaikovsky’s Andante Cantabile and Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances. Premiering March 18 @ 7:30 pm at www.victoriasymphony.ca, this concert is available online until April 16, 2021. http://victoriasymphony.ca/

Toonies for Tutoring

The Victoria Literacy Connection invites book clubs to participate in their Toonies for Tutoring fundraiser, an easy way for book clubs to become literacy heroes.

To participate, Book Club members donate a Toonie at every book club meeting; the Victoria Literacy Connection uses those funds to help provide literacy tutoring to a wide range of learners. Reading challenges, “fines” for not reading the book, and silent auctions are just some of the fun ways book clubs can increase their donation.

Click on the link below to read more about the fundraiser and download a PDF.

The Victoria Literacy Connection provides free literacy programs for children, youth and adults all over Greater Victoria. 1 in 5 Greater Victoria adults need better literacy skills to fully participate in society. And many children need better literacy skills to keep up in school.

https://www.victorialiteracyconnection.ca/toonies-for-tutoring-fundraiser/

Victoria Symphony presents Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges April 1-30

Joseph Boulogne, also known as “Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges” was a remarkable violinist, composer, soldier and athlete. Despite having to deal with the challenges of being a person of mixed race, he was regarded as one of the most impressive figures of 18th century Paris. Among his many accomplishments he had the honour of leading the first performance of Haydn’s Paris symphonies. This program includes music by Saint-Georges, Mozart and Haydn.victoriasymphony.ca

Habitat for Humanity’s Open a Door – May 28 to June 13, 2021

Open a door to a brighter future!

A door represents transition as we move through our lives, opening up new possibilities and opportunities along the way. For local families in need of an affordable home where they live and work, Habitat can be the key to a new beginning.

This spring, Habitat for Humanity Victoria and Presenting Sponsor Pemberton Holmes are inviting members of the community, such as artists, designers and other individuals to create their own unique vision of a future full of possibilities, using a door selected from the Habitat ReStore as a canvas.

Artist’s creations will then be auctioned online between May 28 and June 13, 2021, at www.habitatvictoria.com.

This is a unique opportunity to own original artwork and help Habitat for Humanity Victoria to open a door for families in need of a safe, decent and affordable place to call home.

VPS Mentorship Program

https://victoriapridesociety.org/mentorship-program/

Get free 1-on-1 support to reach your full potential! The Victoria Pride Society Mentorship Program matches LGBTQ2S+ individuals seeking non-judgmental support with established members of the community. Starting a new career? Thinking of coming out? Need someone to talk to about sexual orientation or gender identity questions? Apply to be a mentee! Successful applicants will be matched with a mentor who can provide a safe space to ask questions and get advice. Victoria Pride Society mentors are an amazing group of talented, ambitious, independent, courageous, and diverse individuals striving to fulfill VPS’s vision in which “all people, through education, equality, and safety are empowered to lead full, authentic lives.”.

VPS Local Queer-Owned Business Directory

https://victoriapridesociety.org/resources/

Getting married? From officiants to photographers, we have you covered. Need your windows cleaned? Help is just a click away in Household Services. Is your puppy needing a spa day? Look under Pet Services for someone to pamper that pooch. From Health & Wellness to Entertainment & Culture, it’s all here in one spot. And if you’re a local LGBTQ2* business owner, and you want to be included in the VPS directory, all you have to do is complete your application here (https://victoriapridesociety.org/vps-business-directory-application/). It’s free to list!

Vancouver Island Soccer League

We have been in existence since 1895, providing an opportunity for organized, structured soccer for all adult men.

Our categories; Competitive, Recreational, Masters and U21. Feel free to follow us along on any or all of our social media paths; we love to include the communities in which our members live. Gameday tweets, interesting news, and league updates:

Executive Director Vince Greco; @vincenzo25

League highlights and shares; @VISLinfo

League Instagram; vancouver_island_soccer_league

Facebook; Vancouver Island Soccer League

We hope you enjoy exploring our website, make sure to come back for updates; visl.org

Oh and be sure to support our tremendous League Sponsors, a full listing under the first home tab on the website.

2021 Virtual TC10K – April 16 to April 25

The 2021 Virtual TC10K takes place from April 16 and April 25, 2021, giving you lots of time to complete your virtual run/walk. When you register, you choose your distance – 10K, 5K or Thrifty Foods Family Run. You also have the option to receive your package by mail (*additional mailing cost) or pick it up at our race package pickup on April 16 & 17 (*in accordance with COVID-19 protocols). You complete your distance between April 16 and April 25, 2021. Post your results using the ASICS Runkeeper™ app or your favourite running app to be eligible for fun prizes. Register here.

Esquimalt Farmers Market – April 1 – September 16

Esquimalt Farmers Market’s 7th season runs on Thursdays from April 1- September 16 from 430-730pm in The Township of Esquimalt’s Memorial Park at 1200 Esquimalt Road. Join us in celebrating small businesses and supporting local food!

As we navigate through the COVID 19 Pandemic, understand that changes will likely happen often and abruptly. For this reason, it is best if you refer to our website regularly for updated information including times and locations. As always, EFM is a pet-free market. Thank you for understanding.

As an essential food service, EFM is operating with the regularly updated guidelines as required by the PHO.

Please shop as a single person from your household whenever possible.

Please “shop don’t stop” and avoid touching things before purchase to help keep our Market’s Vendors and shoppers safe.

2021 Virtual Goddess Run Series – June 2021

The Goddess Run is celebrating 10 Years this June, 2021. Usually a live event in Langford, BC, the continuation of Covid restrictions has forced the event to once again be virtual. But the event will be kept unique with its incredible swag and Goddess community support like we normally do.

You can choose from a 5K, 10K or Half Marathon – all for the same price and you can even do all three! You can participate on your own or as part of a team. Sign up a team and be eligible for prizes. Plus we’ve got something fun for your four-legged run/walk partner!

Looking for extra motivation? We have added virtual October and December runs as part of our Virtual Run Series to keep you running year round!

We have also partnered with the Victoria Women’s Transition House as our charity of choice. Join us as we raise money for this very vital charity. Register here.

Victoria Hospice Kits for Compassion – Now until May 2

Support compassionate end-of-life care AND local businesses with Kits for Compassion presented by Amica Senior Lifestyles.

Each kit features eight thoughtfully curated items from our favourite local retailers and artisans including Elate Cosmetics, Flux and Stone, Hands on Clay Collective, Love Medals, Metchosin Soap Works, Rock Coast, The Still Room Perfumery and Tofino Towel Co. Included in the price of the Kit is an exciting virtual event on May 2 featuring spring fashion tips, door prizes and more.

100% of proceeds from these limited-edition gift boxes will help provide compassionate end-of-life care for local patients and families.

Don’t miss out – order your kit today!

Victoria Symphony presents Mozart Horn Concertos – April 15 – May 14

Premiers April 15 @ 7:30 pm at victoriasymphony.ca

Mozart’s Horn Concertos are joyful demonstrations of the instrument’s expressive capacity as well as of the remarkable skills of Mozart’s lifelong friend and horn virtuoso Joseph Leutgeb for whom they were composed. Our two resident virtuosos, Alana Despins and Michael Oswald, perform concertos No. 3 and 2 respectively. Completing the program: the opening String Sextet from Richard Strauss’ opera Capriccio. Strauss himself wrote two horn concertos inspired both by his great idol, Mozart, and by his father who was a professional horn player.

This concert is available until May 14, 2021.

Cool Aid Society $50,000 Matching Challenge – May 17-31

Cool Aid’s $50,000 Matching Challenge is back! As COVID-19 restrictions prevent us from holding the annual Homecoming Gala, our generous partners combined their support to offer $50,000 to match your donations. From May 17-31, all donations made online, sent in by mail or called in by phone will be matched dollar for dollar. Funds will support Cool Aid’s work in helping people in the community who are affected by poverty, homelessness, disability and mental health issues.

Your donation to Cool Aid will fund critical programs, like building new affordable housing, providing groceries and food security, and life-changing support and employment services. Please donate anytime during May 17-31 and your gift will be doubled. Thank you for your support!

A big thank you to our generous matching sponsors and donors: Knappet Projects, the Viveka Foundation, Butler Concrete and Aggregates, TL Housing Solutions, Peninsula Co-op, Megson FitzPatrick and Coast Capital Savings.

Victoria Symphony Spectacular Spring Gala ~ Transformation – May 6

The virtual Gala will be a spectacular evening filled with uplifting music performed by our orchestra, fine wine and gourmet food, fascinating stories from musical celebrities, and the opportunity to bid on exclusive auction items.

Fundraising in support of our musicians and Youth Education Program. Don’t miss it!

Victoria Symphony

Virtual Spectacular Spring Gala

Saturday, May 8, 2021

6:30pm

Tickets are $100 – Buy here!

IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s – May 30

Join the Alzheimer Society of B.C. for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s online! Throughout the month of May, find the place and time that works for you to walk solo, with your family – or with your bubble, as public health guidelines allow. Then join us virtually on Sunday, May 30, 2021 to celebrate the difference you’ve made! No matter where or how you walk, you’ll honour people in your life who have been affected by dementia. Funds raised during the event help fund the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s online programs, education and services for people in communities across the province. Visit walkforalzheimers.ca to donate, register and set up a personal fundraising page. Who will you walk for?

Intrepid Theatre’s UNO Fest goes online (again), running April 20 to May 24

This year’s UNO Online is a collection of digital shows streaming on demand, livestreams from local artists, workshops to learn more about making digital theatre, and artist talks to go deeper into the work on our digital stage. The line-up includes Looking for Tiger Lily from Portland’s Anthony Hudson, a mash-up of song, dance, drag and video that puts a queer spin on the ancestral tradition of storytelling, and Gemini from Victoria’s Lindsay Delaronde, an outdoor solo show that uses mask, text and movement to explore a connection to the land. Buy tickets here.

Victoria Symphony presents Poulenc Organ Concerto – April 29 – May 28

This concert introduces Christ Church Cathedral’s Director of Music, Donald Hunt, in his Symphony debut performing Poulenc’s Concerto for organ, strings and timpani on the majestic instrument built in 2005 by the late Helmuth Wolff for this extraordinary space. Also included in the program is Adés’ Three Studies from Couperin, an offbeat and unexpected tribute to the French Baroque master.

This concert is available at victoriasymphony.ca until May 28, 2021.

FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament – June 29 – July 4

This June 29 – July 4 in Victoria, BC, Canada’s Senior Men’s Basketball Team continues their path to Olympic Gold at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Canada will compete against Greece, China, Turkey, Uruguay, and the Czech Republic as they vie for a last-chance spot in the Tokyo Summer Olympics. Canada’s roster will feature some of the nation’s best players, including NBA talent. Fans can catch all the action on CBC and DAZN.

Belfry Theatre presents The (Post) Mistress – A new musical by Tomson Highway – May 11-16

Back when life was simple – if life was ever simple – people wrote letters. In the small town of Lovely, Ontario, every letter passes through the hands of postmistress Marie-Louise Painchaud.

Cheeky and cheerful, Marie-Louise delights in living vicariously through the stories shared in letters mailed from all over the world.

Featuring piano and saxophone, the musical stylings evoke these faraway places – samba, bossa nova, tango, Dixieland, and Berlin Cabaret rap.

Uplifting, funny and poignant, this one-woman musical by Tomson Highway (Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing, The Rez Sisters) reminds us that in life, you should never mail it in.

The Belfry will be streaming the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s production of The (Post) Mistress from May 11 – 16.

Streaming tickets are $25 and available at 250-385-6815 at tickets.belfry.bc.ca.

Photo credit – Krystle Pederson in The (Post) Mistress by Tomson Highway / Photo by Hugh Conacher / Set Designer Andrew Moro / Costume Designer Andréanne Dandeneau / Lighting Designer Larry Isacoff

Go By Bike Week – May 31- June 6

Registration is now open for Go By Bike Week! This annual event (formerly Bike to Work Week) encourages anyone in Greater Victoria to giving cycling a try for one week. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or have an old bike collecting dust in the garage, we want you to take part.

Why register? Hundreds of prizes are available for anyone who logs at least one bike ride from May 31 – June 6, including our grand prize of an E-Bike from Westshore Bicycles. You can join a team with your family, friends, or coworkers, and take part in a whole host of physically distanced bike activities.

Whether you’re biking to work, school, for fitness, mental health, or to take a break from working from home, we want YOU to register for Greater Victoria’s largest free event.