Hi friend!
I hope you had a wonderful long weekend. I attended my niece’s first birthday party and helped her sneak a little extra cake (just #coolaunt things). I also picked up a copy of Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke and, honestly, it’s a miracle you’re receiving this newsletter today because the book is tough to put down. Have you read it??
Thanks for being here for the first ever issue of The Victoria Social Club! I created this for anyone who wants to make new friends, bond with their existing social circle, and find creative ways to engage with the community around them.
As this is a social project, I hope that, in time, it will become collaborative! I dream of hosting meetups and co-working sessions, attending events together, or even hosting our own VSC events!
Please feel free to share your feedback, suggestions, and constructive criticism. I want this newsletter to add value to your life and I SO appreciate your input!
This is truly just the beginning. I have so many cool ideas that I want to bring to light, and I’ve already received a couple emails with more suggestions! Thanks again for being here, and stay tuned.
- Janine
IN THIS ISSUE:
FRIENDSHIP ASSIGNMENT
Three ideas for connection
Host a craft night:
I recently purchased a 6-pack of paint-by-numbers kits and invited my friends over for a paint-and-sip. The kits include everything you need, and while we never have a problem chatting about things, the conversations did seem to go deeper than usual.
At this point in our lives, it’s rare for us to have an extended time together without being interrupted by a server, a child, or a ringing phone, but this evening was an exception. It was such a fun and easy group activity. And you could recreate it with any craft you want!
Thrift store dress-up:
Get a few friends together and choose outfits for one another at your favorite thrift shop, then spend the day wearing them in public. This activity has the potential to provide many belly laughs and some unforgettable photos for the group chat.
H/T to my awesome hair stylist, Melanie of Velvet Studio, for this idea!
Meal prep with a friend:
If you’re feeling too overwhelmed by chores and life admin to spend time with your friends, why not do both?
A couple of weeks ago I teamed up with one of my besties to do a week of meal prep. Not only was it super fun, it was such a mental load off to know that I didn’t have to cook every single day (and still meet my protein goals)!
If meal prep isn’t realistic for you, swap in another chore. Grocery shopping or running errands could also be more fun with a friend!
“You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”
WHERE TO BE A REGULAR
The Drake Eatery & Craft Beer Parlour
I absolutely LOVE The Drake because it’s so casual and welcoming with delicious food and a huge selection of beers.
I often post up at the bar with my laptop and work or study while casually eavesdropping on the other patrons. It’s also a great place to gather with friends because they have tons of seating and the music is never too loud.
I’m challenging us all to put ourselves out there a little more than usual this week!
Earlier this week a girl on campus complimented my outfit. This literally NEVER happens to me and it made me feel so good and put a little extra confidence in my step. So, your social homework this week is to pay a stranger a compliment.
On anything! A boss parking job, being thoughtful, saying something clever, reading an intriguing book. Anything you feel warrants a little acknowledgement.
Write back and let me know how it goes. I’m curious to hear all the creative compliments you give out!
WORTH LEAVING THE HOUSE FOR
This week’s picks to connect and get out there!
This is definitely NOT an exhaustive list (The LampPost has you covered there). I chose events that I think offer opportunities to connect with folks who may have similar interests!
Ongoing
Wild Art for the Big of Heart | View local artist Tanya Bub’s incredible sculptures made from found wood and other items. Proceeds support local community organizations. | Gage Gallery | 19 Bastion Square, Victoria | May 12 - 31 | Free
Wednesday, May 20
Phillips Comedy Night | Wrangle the friend group to sip cocktails and laugh along with local comedians! | The Mint | 1414 Douglas St, Victoria | Wednesdays, 7pm | $15-20 | Tickets
Thursday, May 21
Tongues of Fire Poetry | Open mic and slam poetry by The Victoria Poetry Project | Caffe Fantastico | 965 Kings Rd, Victoria | 6:30 - 9 pm | $5-15 | Info
Esquimalt Farmer’s Market | Get out and browse wares from local growers and makers at this market! Solo or with a friend, there are lots of opportunities for connection at an event like this! | Memorial Park - 1200 Esquimalt Rd, Esquimalt | Thursdays, 4:30 - 7:30pm | Info
Open Mic Night | Go watch local talent and/or show off your skills! | Fernwood Inn | 1302 Gladstone Ave, Victoria | 8pm
Brew School | Learn about beer styles through history. | Vessel Liquor | 1609 Fort St, Victoria | 7 - 8:30pm | $27 | Tickets
Friday, May 22
Let’s Talk Live | Open conversation group to help foster new connections within Victoria | Caffe Fantastico | 965 Kings Rd, Victoria | 4 - 6 pm | Free
Unwind & Create Art Journaling Workshop | Spend 90 minutes in a cozy downtown art studio with art supplies, guided prompts, and a small group while making something with your hands and checking in with how you're feeling. | Hanna Kaye Art Therapy & Counselling | #108-561 Johnson St, Victoria | 6:30 - 8 pm | $55 | Tickets
BYOV Terrarium Workshop | Bring your own vessel and create a bespoke terrarium in one evening | VI Plant Shop | 103-515 Chatham St, Victoria | 5:30 - 6:30 pm | $47 | Tickets
Saturday, May 23
Harvest & Preserve | Learn to preserve your garden’s bounty in this workshop. | Compost Education Center | 965 Kings Rd, Victoria | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm | $25-55 | Tickets
Fitness Finale at The Courts | An energizing full-body workout focusing on strength, movement, and conditioning in a fun and supportive group setting. Stay & mingle after class. | Uptown, near Brown’s Social House | 3440 Saanich Rd. | 9 - 10 am | $10 | Tickets
Watercolors for Wellness | Relax and enjoy the soothing process of painting ocean waves with magical watercolours, salt water and more! | Carr House National Historic Site | 207 Government St, Victoria | 10 am - 12 pm | $43 | Tickets
Indigenous Healing Bracelet Workshop | Through creativity and storytelling, you will create a meaningful piece while learning about healing traditions and cultural connection. | theDock | #300-722 Cormorant St, Victoria | 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm | Free | Tickets
Jazz Jam Live | A live jazz jam, open to participants and audience members | Caffe Fantastico | 1216 North Park St, Victoria | 6:30 - 9 pm | $5-15
Sunday, May 24
Speed Dating Walk | A speed dating walk through Beacon Hill Park. | Beacon Hill Totem Pole | 100 Douglas St, Victoria | 3 pm | $18 | Tickets
Have an event you want to share? Send me an email!
COMMUNITY BULLETIN
Note: I have no additional information about these opportunities, I encountered them on Instagram and thought they might be of value to y’all.
Jobs
Tropos Fitness Club is hiring a personal trainer
Art Gallery of Victoria is hiring an administrative assistant (deadline to apply is tomorrow!)
Rhino Coffee House is hiring baristas and cooks
Vagabond Pies is hiring for summer festivals and events
Volunteer Opportunities
Oak Bay Tea Party is looking for volunteers and Zero waste ambassadors
Fibrations Festival needs volunteers for all three days of the festival
i-Land Fest is looking for volunteers
The Victoria Chamber of Commerce seeks a volunteer graphic designer to support the Emerge communications team
The Victoria Academy of Ballet is seeking homestay families
Fernwood NH needs volunteers for their seedling event
Gigs
Ska Reggae Fest is looking for someone in Langford (or surrounds) to host a band from June 23 - 29 (PAID)
Pacific Surf Co (in Tofino) is looking for content creators to work with
Do you have a job, gig or volunteer opportunity to share? Email me to include it!
ONE MORE THING
In the spirit of expanding our social horizons, I’d love to know:
What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t gotten around to (yet)??
Hit reply and let me know!
One of mine is visiting France. I want to eat cheese and drink rosé and wander through quaint villages. 🙃
That’s all for this week!
SOCIAL HOMEWORK