Hi {{first_name | friend}}!
I missed you last week! I was buried in exams and something had to give. Time to rebuild my publication streak!
A quick reminder that The Victoria Social Club’s first picnic is happening this Saturday, July 4th at 11 AM at the Cook Street Village Playground, next to Beacon Hill park. I’d really love to see you there. Bring a snack if you’d like, your favorite beverage, and come spend some time in good company!
Check out this map of the park. Our meeting spot will be where the playground marker is between #6 and #7.
I chose this location because it’s easy to walk from Cook Street Village, and easy to identify on a map! I’ll set up a a picnic blanket array on the grass off to the side of the playground.
Lately I’ve been thinking about the kind of space I want The Victoria Social Club to become. My hope is that opening this newsletter each week feels a bit like walking into your favorite neighborhood coffee shop. A cozy place where you can catch up on what’s happening around town, browse the bulletin board for new things to do, and maybe find an excuse to strike up a conversation or meet someone new. Can this be accomplished with a newsletter?! Time will tell.
Building community doesn’t happen overnight, but I think it starts with creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. Thanks for helping me build one.
Until next week,
Janine 💛
IN THIS ISSUE:
FRIENDSHIP ASSIGNMENT
Three ideas for connection
Borrow, don’t buy
Ask a friend if you can borrow something instead of buying your own.
A book on your TBR list
A camping chair
A board game
School resources
Borrowing creates a reason to reconnect when you return it, which means more interactions with your pals! Communities used to share resources all the time, but our culture seems to have become so individualistic. If we’re all craving more connection, this a really easy way to build it in!
Bring a “Plus One” to your next hang
Next time you make plans, invite one extra person. Heading to brunch? Bring another friend you think might want to connect. Attending a concert? See who else might be interested.
This is a great way to casually intermingle your friend groups through a shared interest!
Send a card
You don’t need an occasion. Just send (or give) one of your friends a card sharing a nice sentiment! There’s no need to wait for their next birthday! It’s a really sweet way to show your affection and appreciation for someone. The fact that it isn’t tied to a particular occasion makes it even better, because who doesn’t love a thoughtful note?
“Which of all my important nothings shall I tell you first?”
WHERE TO BE A REGULAR
Add this third space to your rotation
Your community center
When was the last time you browsed your local community center’s activity offerings? I’m always blown away by how many different activities, classes, and amenities these organizations provide. And while I know sometimes the registration can be competitive, it may be worth the effort! Taking a class or dropping in to use a ball court, gym, pool, etc is an easy and affordable way to get out of the house and offers the opportunity for social interaction!
Micro-actions for making new connections
This week, visit the same local place at least three times.
It could be your:
favorite coffee shop
local park
a farmer’s market
gym or yoga studio
Communities are built through lots of tiny interactions. The first time you're a stranger. The second time you're familiar. By the third or fourth visit, you might find yourself chatting with someone who recognizes you too.
If you give this a shot this week, reply to this email and let me know how it goes!
WORTH LEAVING THE HOUSE FOR
This week’s picks to connect and get out there!
This week’s events round up is slightly truncated due to my time constraints. Follow my Instagram stories (and events highlight) for more! As always, I’ve picked happenings that I think offer the opportunity for social interaction and community involvement!
Feedback? Reply and let me know what types of events you want more of!
Thursday, July 2
Lunch Time Summer Concert Series | Head to the Fort Commons to enjoy live music every Thursday from June through August. Different performers each week! | Fort Commons (behind Be Love) | 12 - 1 PM | Details
Summer of Soccer ⚽️ | Wanna watch the World Cup with fellow soccer fans? Head to Market Square to catch the games on the big screen and enjoy food and local beer! Check out the full viewing schedule, as there are tons of games. | Market Square | 12 PM & on |
Drop in Yoga at Ship Point | Head to Ship Point for an all-level drop-in flow yoga class with One Yoga every Thursday until Sept 3. There will be a limited supply of mats available so bring your own if possible. | Ship Point | 12-12:45 PM | Free | Details
Mending Night: Embroidery | Head to Ecologyst on the first Thursday of every month for a mending workshop. This month’s theme is embroidery. Learn to personalize your favorite pieces. All supplies provided. | Ecologyst | 552 Johnson St. | 5:30 - 6:30 PM | Free | Details
Friday, July 3
Junction Fest | The second annual Junction Fest kicks off on Friday and runs all weekend at Junction Orchard & Cidery. There will be lawn games, a splash zone, bouncy castle, live music, and so much more. | Junction Orchard & Cidery | 273 Prospect Lake Road | 11 AM - 6 PM | Free | Details
Let’s Talk Live | Every Friday, this open conversation group meets to help foster new connections within Victoria. All you have to do is show up and chat. | Caffe Fantastico | 965 Kings Rd, Victoria | 4 - 6 pm | Free | Details
Mindful Watercolour Workshop | A relaxed evening of mindfulness, water colour, and creative exploration. | Hannah Kaye Art Therapy | 561 Johnson St | 6:30 - 8: 30 PM | $55 | Tickets
Saturday, July 4
Let’s Talk Live | Every Saturday, this open conversation group meets at Murchie’s to foster new connections within Victoria. All you have to do is show up and chat. | Murchie’s - Downtown | 1110 Government St. | 10 AM - 12 pm | Free | Details
⭐️ The Victoria Social Club Picnic | Join us for a casual picnic and hang at the Cook Street Village Playground! | 11 AM | Free
Paddle Royale Pickleball Social | A friendly tournament with men’s, women’s, and mixed divisions for all levels. | WSPR Outdoor Pickleball Courts | 8 AM - 6 PM | Free | Details
Esquimalt Urban Arts Tour | Join the Township Community Arts Council for the 7th Annual self-guided Esquimalt Urban Arts Tour. | 11 AM - 4 PM | | Free | Details
Wheelies Motorcycles Block Party | The 12th annual block party will have vintage motorcycles, classic cars, live music and tons of vendors. | Wheelies | 5 - 11 PM | Details
Sunday, July 5
PKOLS Market | Your Sunday market for local food, artisans, and good vibes. Every Sunday until Sept 13th. | 4139 Torquay Rd | 10 AM - 1 PM | Details
Yoga in the Gardens | Enjoy a nourishing outdoor practice every Sunday that will connect you to nature, your body, and your breath. All levels welcome. | The Gardens at HCP | 10 AM | $20 | Details
Saanich Strawberry Fest | The 59th Saanich Strawberry Festival celebrates local agriculture and strawberries with live music, kids activities, and arts and crafts stations. | 11 AM - 4 PM | Beaver Beach, Elk Lake Park | Free | Details
Straight Speed Dating (37 - 49) | Chat with fun singles aged 37 to 49 at this speed dating event hosted by Date Doctor Events. | Swans Pub | 7 - 9 PM | $39 | Details
Monday, July 6
Trail Days | Fernwood Social Run Club hosts trail runs every Monday evening in July. This week they’re headed to PKOLS. No experience necessary. | 6:30 PM | FREE | Details
Tuesday, June 7
Step Together | Join this community walking group every Tuesday afternoon for peer-guided social walks through James Bay, visiting Dallas Road and Beacon Hill Park. It’s low pressure, social, and supportive. Open to all abilities. | Meet in James Bay | 2 - 3 PM | FREE | Details
Paddle and Pints | Every Tuesday night, head to the Ocean River downtown docks for our Paddle & Pint in partnership with @swiftbeer. You get an hour and a half on the water in a kayak, tandem kayak, or paddleboard, and a post-paddle pint at Swift. | Ocean River Sports | 450 Swift St. | 6 pm | $35 | Details
Music in the Park | Music in the Park celebrates its 20 year anniversary this year! Enjoy concerts every Tuesday through August from 6 to 8 PM in rotating parks throughout Saanich. This week you can enjoy performances at Goward House. | Goward House | 2495 Arbutus Road | 6 - 8 PM | Free | Details
Queer Country Hoedown | Join Victoria Honky Tonk as they kick off pride week with a Queer Country Hoedown with live music from Petunia & Elise LeBlanc and the Victoria Honky Tonk Band. Y’all means all. | 7 - 11 PM | Encore Victoria | 1415 Broad St | $20 | Tickets
Have an event you want to share? Send me an email ([email protected])
ONE MORE THING
I’d love to know:
What are you reading right now? (It doesn’t have to be a book!)
I’m doing a slow read of War & Peace this year, where I’m meant to read one chapter each day… I’m about 30 days behind though 😬
Hit reply and tell me yours!
That’s all for this week!
SOCIAL HOMEWORK