As the days get brighter and the rain holds off there’s more incentive to get out and take part in community events. April is almost over, but there’s still a lot happening. Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up locally.
- April 22: St. John’s United Church, 10990 West Saanich Rd., is hosting the first lecture of a four-part series called ‘Strengthening Our Sacred Relationships.’ Just in time for Earth Day, the lecture will feature the film Green Rights: The Human Right to a Healthy World, put on by local ecological organization Peninsula EcoVision. Afterward there will be a discussion followed by remarks from Green Party leader Elizabeth May. The hope of the series is to spark both dialogue and action regarding complex issues. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation. For more, visit stjohnsunited.net
- April 23: Sidney’s Via Choralis choir presents a musical tribute to Canada in celebration of the upcoming 150th anniversary of Confederation. The choir will take a journey across the country from east to west with songs ranging from traditional folk, to ballads, to humourous political tunes dating back to the turn of the century. Viva Youth Voices will also join in in song with Via Choralis. The event starts at 2:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, 10030 Third St., Sidney. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Tanner’s Books for $15 or for $18 at the door. Students only pay $5 and children are free. For more, visit www.viachoralis.ca
- April 26: The second lecture of the four-part series called ‘Strengthening Our Sacred Relationships’ begins at 7 p.m. at St. John’s United Church, 10990 West Saanich Rd. This lecture focuses on First Nations peoples and will start with the CBC production of The Sacred Path, an animated film that pays tribute to Chanie Wenjack, an Indigenous boy who died after escaping his residential school. The discussion after the film will be centred around the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action. The hope of the series is to spark both dialogue and action regarding complex issues. Admission is by donation. For more, visit stjohnsunited.net
- April 27: The Brentwood Bay Village Empourium launches its 2017 House Concert Series with Juno award-winning Canadian folk legend Ian Tamblyn. Let Tamblyn sing you tales of love, loss and redemption, while he taps into his quintessentially Canadian roots. There are only 30 seats available for this concert. Tickets are $10. The music starts at 8 p.m., but guests are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy company and cocktails. For more, visit www.empourium.ca
- April 29: The Saanich Peninsula Arts and Crafts Society (SPAC) is hosting its 64th annual Arts and Crafts Exhibition and Sale. From 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. people are invited to admire, browse and buy the work of SPAC members. The event is at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney. Admission is $4. For more, visit spacsociety.com
- April 30: The final day of the SPAC annual Arts and Crafts Exhibition and Sale runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The arts and crafts will still be up for sale. The event is at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney. Admission is $4. For more, visit spacsociety.com