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The April 1, 2011

CHOIR COMMUNITY ISSUE of the GHC’s Choir Community Newsletter

<><><><><><><><> QUICK REMINDERS! <><><><><><><><>

GHC Spring Season Potlucks Coming Soon!

Thursday Apr 7 & Monday Apr 11, Tuesday Apr 12

For details please visit:

http://www.gettinhigherchoir.ca/community-info/#other

you will also find there a corrected link

to the “Grace & Birthday” lyrics page

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For a PDF Version of this week’s issue plus all our archived issues

including last week’s Choir Community Issue please go to:

http://www.gettinhigherchoir.ca/community-info/newsletters.html <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

SPECIAL NOTES!!!!

1. MICHAEL STILLWATER RETURNING TO VICTORIA

We’re very excited about this great opportunity to sing with, and learn from, this

wonderful song writer and teacher. Check out the first item in the Opportunities to Sing section below for details

2. DAVID WHYTE AT ROYAL ROADS

Some of the gorgeous poetry that Denis quotes at the end of choir sessions is David’s

and Denis will be joining David with a musical contribution. For details check out the Friday May 6th & 7th Community Event listings below.

COMMUNITY MEMBER’S SUBMISSIONS

When reading (skimming) the contents of this newsletter keep in mind that what your choir companions are requesting or offering may be of interest to one or

more of your non-choir contacts. Support each other…pass the word!

Come Join Us for the SPRING SESSION OF HIGH NOON CHOIR Come Join Us for the Spring Session of High Noon Choir When: March 29 - til June 14, Noon - 1:30 ( Orientation for new singers at 11:30 on March 29) Where: Church of Truth - 111 Superior Street What: Joyful singing together in community This is a non-audition choir started by Shivon Robinsong in 2003 and we are currently loving the 60 - 70 singers that arrive each week to join together in creating a 'culture of kindness' as well as to bathe in Vitamin H (harmony). Our repertoire is eclectic, including but not limited to world music, spirituals, African freedom songs, various rounds and chants, as well as some contemporary music. You do not need to know how to read music as much of the music is learned by oral tradition. If you've ever thought of yourself as a non-singer but would like to put that notion to rest - this is a safe and supportive place to do just that. All are welcome to come and try it out for a week or two. Bring a friend! Shivon and Gloria ********************** MICHAEL STILLWATER...RETURNING TO VICTORIA APRIL 8 AND 9 ―Michael‘s music...a touch of Grace‖ -Ram Dass ChantWave - Community Celebration in Song

…also Niel Golden, percussion Friday Evening, April 8, 7:00 pm Fairfield United Church Sanctuary $20 – Tickets in Advance … $25 at the door.

SongSourcing - Reconnecting with the ‗Great Song‘ The Joy of Spontaneous Songmaking

Saturday, April 9, 10 - 5 with a lunch break Accept your voice, sing your song. A fun & easy method for releasing your creativity. $60 in advance

Check out and pass on our poster:

http://www.o-my.info/ghc/nl/2011/0304/stillwater.pdf …for more information and to register online gloria@gettinhigherchoir.ca www.InnerHarmony.com

"I was completely delighted and surprised by Michael's spontaneous songmaking process, mostly by the fact that I could do it, and, by how it revealed to me hidden parts of my psyche. Engaging the singing voice in verbal free-association makes this a wonderful tool for self exploration." - Shivon Robinsong

These events are strongly recommended by Shivon Robinsong. Submitted by Gloria Hansen, GHC & HNC tenor and Registrar for Michael Stillwater ********************** MAY 15TH SWAT INVITATION We have been invited to sing at a SWAT on Sunday May 15, for a WATER WALK around Elk and Beaver Lakes. It‘s a fund-raising event that positively Africa is doing in support of Maasai women's struggles for water in Kenya. To read a fascinating story about story about going to the river with Maasai women, go to Maggie Ziegler's blog:

http://www.journeyrwanda.blogspot.com At positively Africa's home page is a slideshow that goes with the story

http://www.positivelyafrica.org/events.htm I think we're singing around 4pm - some of our new & old African repertoire. Exact time and location TBA. Stay tuned, and save the date! Submitted by Shivon ********************** THE HARMONIOUS FAMILY SINGERS & CHOIR

Spring Season Starts April 4th & Runs to June 20th

Please pass the word to all Grandparents, Parents and Kids that might like to sing together! You and the kids you love are invited to a trial session any Monday in any season at the Fairfield United Church Hall (Fairfield & Moss).

The Singers (6:30 to 7:30 p.m.) Kid and Family friendly singing with dance, musical games, body percussion and story play.

The Choir (7:45 to 9:0030 p.m.)

Inter-generational & multi-cultural chants, rounds & songs sung in unison and in harmony.

Open to all voices! New singers always welcome! No audition! For details: http://www.harmoniousfamilychoir.com, sing@harmoniousfamilychoir.com or 250-385-SING (7464) Submitted by Doug Paterson CCLT 5 and lapsed GHC Bass & Bill Hanson GHC Bass etc. ********************** COMMUNITY EVENTS ITEMS THAT INVITE YOU TO SING!

Tranquil Moments (Apr 24)

For details on the above ―Opportunities To Sing‖ see the full items in the Community Events section below

********************* QUOTE BREAK *********************

Perhaps the history of the errors of mankind, all things considered, is more valuable and interesting than that of their discoveries. Truth is uniformand narrow? it constantly exists, and does not seem to require so much an active energy, as a passive aptitude of soul in order to encounter it. But error is endlessly diversified.

Benjamin Franklin (Quoted in ―Where Good Ideas Come From‖)

Editor‘s Collection **************************************************************

A VIEW OF VICTORIA: THE RIDE

Take a ride on the streetcar through downtown Victoria in 1907

http://web.uvic.ca/lancenrd/AViewofVictoria/vic_video/the_ride.php

Submitted by Matti Anttila former GHC Bass ********************** HELLO FRIENDS… ...here's a wonderful talk by Eric Whitacre about his work and especially about his Virtual Choir.

http://www.ted.com/talks/eric_whitacre_a_virtual_choir_2_000_voices_strong.html Thanks to Anu for making me aware of this video. Recommended by Denis Donnelly GHC & Soundings Director also recommended separately by Anu Patel Soundings and former GHC Alto ********************** HELLO CANADA I am in the process of sending a message to every Canadian I can reach about what I consider to be the un-democratic exclusion of Green Party leader Elizabeth May from the up-coming televised leadership debates. I have sent it to my personal contact list and I will be sending to the widest possible range of media outlets and politicians that I can manage. This Hello Canada message outlines why I believe the exclusion is wrong and offers a variety of actions that we Canadians, individual political persuasions, can take try and change it.

To read this message click click on either:

http://www.o-my.info/misc/hello-canada.doc http://www.o-my.info/misc/hello-canada.pdf

Recommended by Bill Hanson GHC Bass etc. ********************** 3 YR OLD JOHNATHAN CONDUCTS BEETHOVEN

I think his sheer ecstatic joy in the music he is relating to is worth watching!

www.choralnet.org/268945.html Recommended by Mayne Ellis former Tuesday night soprano

Editor‘s Note Not to mention his way beyond 3 yrs old sense of rhythm. The kids alright!

********************** NO TANKERS ~ DOGWOOD INITIIATIVE It‗s federal election time! We are ready to make oil tankers a defining election issue in B.C. and we could really use your help. There are several close races in B.C. being touted as among the most important in the country. In North Vancouver, for example, the Conservatives won by less than 3,000 votes in the last election. In Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca just 68 votes could mean the difference between electing a candidate who will ban tankers on BC‘s north coast and electing one who will open our coast to the risk of a catastrophic oil spill. For more information...

http://www.o-my.info/ghc/nl/2011/0401/no-tankers.pdf Recommended by Claire Ebendinger GHC Monday Soprano ********************** CUTE SCENE WITH HULA HOOPS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng3XHPdexNM ********************** ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE DECLARATION FOR CHANGE If you want to see change in Canadian politics share your hopes and values for Canada by completing this simple, yet interesting online survey at:

http://www.leadnow.ca LeadNow is a grass roots organization that is collecting the views of Canadians to create the Declaration for Change - a call for federal politicians to cooperate for progress on the issues we care about the most. This people-powered event is truly inspiring. Recommended by Lori McElroy Thursday Tenor Recommended by Anu Patel Soundings & former GHC Alto ********************** LET THE CHILDREN HAVE A WORLD Please enjoy this wonderful video of Dana Winner‘s ―Let The Children Have A World‖

http://www.o-my.info/ghc/nl/2011/0401/let_the_children_.wmv Recommended by Audrey Glynn GHC Monday Soprano ********************** 10 YEAR OLD SINGER ~ ANTI TANKER SENTIMENTS

Hey, let's all help this one "go viral" dedicated to all candidates in the current Canadian election:

http://www.timescolonist.com/news/year+girl+offers+song+anti+tanker+sentiment+video/4517316/story.html Please share it with your contacts... Thanks, Recommended by Bonnie Hardy ********************** MUSIC LOVERS CHECK THIS OUT If you like to listen to music while you are using your computer try visiting Iceberg Radio on-line at:

http://new.icebergradio.com/ It offers a wide variety of channels each playing a different genre, or sub-genre, of music. Pick your favorite, sit back and enjoy a continuous program of known and new music that caters to your taste. Better yet select any number of genres, or sub-genres, that suit your current mood and enjoy an on-going custom blended program. No audio advertisements or chatter, just visual ads on their web page which you won‘t be seeing anyway once you minimize the browser to use other programs. Recommended by: Bill Hanson, GHC Bass etc. ********************** GREEN GENES… …is a local, Victoria nursery run by Suzanne Cook, which provides heritage vegetable, herb, and flower plants from seeds carefully selected for their heritage, degree of endangerment, beauty, and uniqueness. Suzanne is an active member of Seeds of Diversity and the International Society of Ethnobiology, with specialized research interest in documenting the cultural heritage of the Lacandon Maya and the preservation of their traditional ecological knowledge. Find Green Genes at the James Bay Market, Sydney Market, Oak Bay Market, and the Downtown Summer Market (Market Square) from May to August. For more information or special requests, you may contact Suzanne at (250) 479-9478 (scook@uvic.ca). Recommended by: Bev Hickey, paused GHC member

Editor‘s Note Watch for Suzanne‘s book, "The Forest of the Lacandon Maya: an Ethnobotanical Guide", which is in press with Springer Link and will be available in 2012.

********************** VOTE COMPASS ~ CBC My friend sent this survey, checked it was non-partisan, neutral regarding party influences. I found the questions valuable and interesting regarding where all the party stand on these issues. Think it is a fun and interesting way to get the perspective of party lines.

http://federal.votecompass.ca/ Cheers, Recommended by: Josie Brocker **********************

HAZEL MCCALLION ~ MIGHTY MAYOR This woman is something else.....she'd make a great premier for Ontario! Hats off to Hazel McCallion, 89-year-old mayor of Mississauga, Ontario. She's simply marvellous!

http://www.garynorth.com/public/6791.cfm You will LOVE Hazel...she's wonderful. Take the time to watch this video, it's worth it! Submitted by Audrey Glynn GHC Monday Soprano

CAN WE CREATE A GHC TEAM FOR THIS EVENT? positively AFRICA Water Walk 2011 on Sunday, May 15th. Join us as teams of 10 walk around Beaver/Elk Lakes to bring awareness about clean drinking water and to raise funds for a water truck for the women of Oleleshua, Kenya. Cost per team is $200 (ie. 10 people $20 each) For more information, visit www.positivelyafrica.org Please contact me at sabine@positivelyafrica.org or call 250-598-0708 for more details or to register. Submitted by Sabine Laubental, Tuesday Alto ********************** RIFF BUDDY ~ TRY IT ~ YOU’LL LIKE IT Riff Buddy, a new (and free) MP3 player that is designed as an aid for learning music is now available. A key feature is that you can have it automatically repeat selected parts of the audio track, which is helpful when you are trying to learn some of Denis' more interesting harmony parts. The developer is looking for feedback from those willing to try it out at www.YellowDogSound.com Use the email address on the "About" page for feedback. Note: it plays mp3 files that have been downloaded to your computer.

********************** DOES ANYONE KNOW OR HAVE AN "IN" WITH ECKHART TOLLE? A friend of mine in New York is helping organize "The Spirit of Human Forum" in Iceland next year and would love to have him speak at it. If so please let me know at 88matti@gmail.com Many thanks. Matti Anttila former GHC Bass ********************** SAVING THE WILD SALMON I am calling on the Wild Salon Lovers to help raise money for Alex and Anissa to continue on with their work for the Cohen Commission.

The month of May is Sacred Salmon Month and on April 27th in Duncan we are going to celebrate with a fundraising dinner/auction. If you would like to do something in your community, that would be really great. Garage sales for ―Salmon Are Sacred‖ are a fun, environmentally useful way to make some money, all the while recycling, reusing and reducing your wares. For more info pls contact me at: laura_finch2003@yahoo.com and/or visit: http://www.salmonaresacred.org Submitted by Laura Finch former GHC Alto ********************** 12 DAY TOUR IN PERU, TRIP OF A LIFETIME, APR.15-APR.26 There's a last minute opening to join this tour to Peru which includes Machu Pichu, the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca. You would join a small group of 9 people. It's led by an American couple who have been living in South America for about 10 years. They have been to Machu Pichu and the Sacred Valley many times. For more information/questions, contact: mlhess99@gmail.com, 250 590 2993 You can also contact the person who is organizing the tour: gary@pro-ecuador.com Submitted by: Mary Lou Hess, CCLT 2007-8, lapsed soprano, HNC, GHC ********************** SPRING RIDGE COMMONS A community urban food forest / permaculture garden Come to our monthly work parties and upcoming events in May.

http://springridgecommons.ca Submitted by Linda Chan HNC Soprano ********************** CAT NEEDS A HOME (repeat) Julia is a loving, 6 year old, black and white domestic short hair who is looking for a new home. We adopted her with another cat from the SPCA and they can‘t seem to resolve their differences. She would be best in a single cat household. She has a wonderful personality and is very quiet and gentle. If you are interested please call Caroline or Michael at 250 383 0636 or e-mail at chezdillistone@shaw.ca Submitted by Caroline Startin Tuesday Tenor

********************* QUOTE BREAK ********************* After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.

Aldous Huxley

Editor‘s Collection

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VERY SOUND SERVICES Do you have an old record (LP or 45) or tape (R/R or cassette) that you would like on a CD or in your MP3 player?

Instructional recordings? Audio Archives? Recordings of your children, your parents or other loved ones? Favourite music? Custom download compilations?

You can contact me at 250-920-4160 (8 to 8, Tues to Fri) or at co-admin@crucible.ca If you know of someone else who might need this service I would appreciate your passing this item on to them. Submitted by: Bill Hanson, GHC Bass etc. ********************** COMPUTERS AND MORE.... Media Integration.

Have your computer talk to your stereo, and your television. Shopping consultation.

Let me help you find the right stuff (and price) for your needs. Sound systems, desktop and laptop computers,video systems etc.

Outstanding vintage speakers a specialty. Computer repairs.

Windows Vista and XP. Mac OSX Internal and system cleaning, and optimization

Viral Infections, Data Recovery, Upgrades Set-up and basic tutoring Hardware and Software problems Free Estimates

Introduction to streaming audio/podcasts and Online Video Get the most out of your multimedia experience.

$40 Hour at your home/office

Discounts for seniors/students/unemployed. Matt Hutton GHC Lighting guy and Gloria‘s son

mattinvic@gmail.com 250-418-1322

Submitted by Gloria Hansen, GHC and HNC Tenor ********************** "GERMAN FOR ADULTS” CLASSES VICTORIA GERMAN SCHOOL (UVIC) This Spring, the Victoria German School will be offering several ―German for Adults‖ classes. From Beginners to Advanced German, to Conversational German, these classes will help adults understand grammatical concepts, develop reading and writing skills, sharpen listening comprehension, boost confidence when speaking, as well as explore cultural themes. Classes begin on the 2nd of April and are held at UVic in the Clearihue Building on Saturday mornings. Cost is $155, including registration, for 10 weeks of classes.

Please email info@victoriagermanschool.org or the teacher Joanna at germanconsulting@shaw.ca if you are interested. Submitted by Joanna Schaller,M.A. former GHC Alto ********************** ALL AGES PIANO & GUITAR LESSONS FOR INDIVIDUALS & FAMILY GROUPS Doug Paterson, former GHC Bass and Director of the Harmonious Family Singers & Choir also teaches both piano and guitar and likes to create family bands so people play together at home as well as to provide individual instruction. For information call Doug at 250-385-SING (7464) Submitted by Doug Paterson former GHC Bass, CCLT5 - 2008/09 & Harmonious Family Choir Director ********************** NEED A WEBSITE BUILT AND/OR MAINTAINED @ COMPETITIVE RATES? (Know someone who does?) If you need a web site registered, hosted, built or maintained please contact me. If you know someone else who might please pass this item on to them.

Testimonials & Sample Sites

http://www.webeasyservices.com/testimonials.html Please contact me at: billh@crucible.ca or 250-920-4160 (8 to 8, weekdays) Submitted by: Bill Hanson, GHC Bass etc

Check out the sites listed here and add them to your favourites if they are of on-going interest.

LINDA CHAN (HNC Soprano)

http://springridgecommons.ca A Community Urban Food Forest / Permaculture Garden: Come to our monthly work parties and upcoming events. Please visit our site for details. ********************** JACK HAAS (GHC Bass)

http://www.jackhaas.org See my website for information about two books of mine:

Jack Haas, Seeking Bliss: A Study of Addiction and Recovery $20.

Jack Haas and Wm.Shaffir, Becoming Doctors: The Adoption of a Cloak of Competence. $30.

**********************

DENIS DONNELLY (GHC & Soundings Director) http://www.denisdonnelly.ca All my musical, poetry and course activities plus Soundings. ********************** GREG JOLY, (former GHC Thursday Tenor)

http://www.harmonicwindharps.com Have You Ever Heard A Wind Harp? See and hear a variety of wind harps at the above web address. ********************** DO YOU HAVE A PERSONAL OR BUSINESS WEB SITE? If you are a current or past member of any choir in our family of choirs and you have a web site feel free to submit the URL plus a 50 word (or less) capsule description for inclusion in this section. Your listing will be kept on file and 2 - 5 of them will be rotated (in the order received) through this section of the Choir Community Member‘s Issue that goes out every second week. This will give your site periodic exposure to 1300+ people and offer readers different web sites to check out each week.

SHERLOCK MANNING UPRIGHT PIANO This piano is in great condition, has a good tone and a 40 inch cabinet. Professional musician has received much joy from it for 4 years. As per recent purchase of a digital piano, no further use for the upright. $700 ~ Cash and carry. Contact Maureen at (250) 382-5447 or myangelnotes31@yahoo.ca Submitted by Debby Funk GHC Thursday Alto

SUITE WANTED TO RENT Mature, responsible, quiet female seeking self-contained, quiet, bright, well maintained, large bachelor or one-bedroom suite in James Bay or Fairfield. Prefer non-smoking. Please call 250-382-0044. Submitted by: Gaynor Hughes, High Noon, Soprano ********************** TWO, JAMES BAY-BACHELOR SUITES AVAILABLE MAY 1ST AND JUNE 1ST. Heat, hydro and hot water included. International students welcome. Ten minute walk to downtown and all amenities such shopping, banks, post office etc. Located on Beacon Hill Park, one block from the ocean and bus stop. Suits mature, quiet individual or student looking for a safe and clean living environment. Furnished or unfurnished. Coin operated washer and dryer. No pets, no smoking. Click on the link to see photos: http://victoria.en.craigslist.ca/apa/2297334396.html Submitted by Danielle Lavoie former GHC Tuesday Soprano,

********************** HOUSE SITTING OPPORTUNITIES WANTED Nathaniel and I are a professional couple who live aboard our sail boat and are looking for house sitting opportunities for the winter months. We are experienced, responsible house sitters (including pet care) with excellent references who are skilled at yard and home maintenance as well. If you need someone to look after your home/pets while you are away you can contact Tracy or Nathaniel at 250-857-8185 or E-mail Tracy at tracy.koebel@gmail.com Submitted by Tracy Kobel 2008/9 GHC summer singer ********************** FOR RENT Beautiful one bedroom, windowed basement suite in prime location - MacKenzie, Cedar Hill Crossroad area. Close to UVic and shopping. Includes washer and dryer. $900.00 per month. Utilities separately metered. Call 250.580.4549 to view. Submitted by Audrey McLennan, lapsed GHC Soprano on behalf of son, Paul

********************* QUOTE BREAK *********************

Most people take the limits of their vision to be the limits of the world. A few do not. Join them.

Arthur Schopenhauer Editor‘s Collection ***************************************************************

We encourage you to support the activities of other choir community members by emailing copies of any item to any of your contacts that you think would be interested.

FUN CAMPS (earlybird now to Apr 15) (Friends Uniting in Nature) These hands-on environmental leadership camps make caring for the environment and exploring the natural areas in our cities FUN and interactive! For details check out our site at: http://www.funsociety.ca We are gearing up for our summer schedule and accepting earlybird registrations from March 15th - April 15th. Submitted by Maia Green HNC singer ********************** "GERMAN FOR ADULTS” CLASSES VICTORIA GERMAN SCHOOL (UVIC) (start Apr 2) This Spring, the Victoria German School will be offering several ―German for Adults‖ classes. From Beginners to Advanced German, to Conversational German, these classes will help adults understand grammatical concepts, develop reading and writing skills, sharpen listening comprehension, boost confidence when speaking, as well as explore cultural themes. Classes begin on the 2nd of April and are held at UVic in the Clearihue Building on Saturday mornings. Cost is $155, including registration, for 10 weeks of classes.

Please email info@victoriagermanschool.org or the teacher Joanna at germanconsulting@shaw.ca if you are interested. Submitted by Joanna Schaller,M.A. former GHC Alto

********************** FORCE OF NATURE WITH DAVID SUZUKI (April 2) Come and spend an evening with David Suzuki! Saturday, April 2: 6:00pm to 7:00pm - Book Signing 7:00 Screening of David's Film, "Force of Nature" followed by discussion with David Suzuki and Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party. Location: Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney Tickets ($20.00) sold at the door, the Sidney Green Party office, or at Women In Need locations. Submitted by Cathy Fletcher, Monday Alto

********************** PIED PEAR @ THE FOLK (Apr. 3) Get ready for a musical treat. The Pied Pear is Joe Mock and Rick Scott…a very talented, very fun and musically rambunctious acoustic duo which will be featured at the Victoria Folk on April 3rd If you are not already a Pied Pear fan check them out and have a listen at:

http://www.piedpumkin.com/piedpear.shtml Norway House, 1110 Hillside Ave. Performance Schedule

6:45 Pre-folk jam 7:30 Open stage 9:00 Pied Pear

Be sure to get their early both to enjoy all the music and to ensure that you get in. The Pied Pear will fill the place! Submitted by Bill Hanson GHC Bass…because I am definitely a fan! ********************** RADICAL FORGIVENESS WORKSHOP (April 3) Neale Donald Walsch says Colin Tipping‘s Radical Forgiveness, Making Room for the Miracle is"…the most exciting book on forgiveness to come out in a very long time! I am recommending Radical Forgiveness to everyone. It is a book that can change - and save - people's lives." Experience a Radical transformation Sun, April. 3, 2011, 1:00 – 3:00 PM $30 per person Facilitated by Rose Boulton (trained by Colin Tipping) The Positive Living Centre Call 250-995-1256 to register 3281 Harriet Road, Victoria Minimum age 18 years Service 11:00 AM (with Rose) www.radicalforgiveness.com Submitted Cathy Fletcher, Monday Alto

********************** PASSION FOR TANGO SOCIETY AND TANGO MODERNA PRESENT TANGO LESSONS (Apr 3, 10+) Every Sunday Beginners at 1:45pm and Intermediate at 3pm. Location at 712 Cormorant St (Martin Batchelor Gallery). Cost is $12 per person per class ($9 for student) or 5 class discount card for $50. Singles and couples welcome! Ongoing weekly drop-in or registration being taken. Milonga 4:30-7:30pm $5 for members or $6 for non-members. Contact Tara 250-661-5921 or passion4tangofestival@gmail.com. Also www.passion4tango.com. Submitted by June Waters, former alto GHC member ********************** HUMANWARE DEMO (Apr 5) HumanWare's products are having a profoundly positive impact on the lives of people with blindness and low vision. It is putting on an Assistive Technology Demo Day at the DRC and everyone is welcome and invited to drop in. Tuesday, April 5, 2011 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm Please see our pdf poster for more information:

http://www.o-my.info/ghc/nl/2011/0401/humanware.pdf Also, please forward on to your contacts as others may benefit. Submitted by Josie Brocker ********************** THE NEW MYSTICISM AND ECOLOGY (Apr 5 to 26) The traditional mysticism focused primarily on our relationship with the Divine - experiencing the intimacy and immediacy of that relationship. The new mysticism asks us to focus on the universe, the natural world, in which the Divine is creating. This workshop will focus on why this shift and what it means for us and our world. Hopefully we can arrive at the intimacy and immediacy that Shug expresses in The Colour Purple when she states, "I know that if I cut a tree, my arm would bleed." Facilitator: Bill Wilson, SJ PhD. Date: Apr 5 - 26 Time: 10:00 —12:00 pm Cost: $75.00 drop in $20.00 Location: Friend‘s Meeting House 1831 Fern St. Submitted by Gertie Jocksch Monday Soprano ********************** RESILIENCE: SURVIVING AND THRIVING IN CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCE (Apr 6, 13, 20 + 27) with Michael Tacon and Chris Bullock of the Well Foundation

Resilience is our ability to recover from setbacks, both major and minor, to embrace change and to soften, rather than fight. Each session will involve dyads and group sharing, meditation and other exercises in a circle format. (Drop in to one or all sessions). Date / Time: Wednesdays, April 6, 13, 20 + 27, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Location: Church of Truth, 111 Superior Street Cost: Free or by donation Info: Linda at (250) 380-6383 or http://cotvictoria.ca Submitted by Linda Chan, High Noon Choir

LAUGHTER YOGA FOR JOY, ENERGY, HEALTH AND CREATIVITY (starts Apr 14) Laughter: The Most Efficient Exercise. One minute of hearty laughter is equal to 10 minutes or rowing or jogging.

–Dr. W. Fry, Journal of General Psychology, 1938. Victoria Laughter Yoga Club for Laughter and fun. A New Laughter Yoga session in James Bay. Start date: April 14.

http://victorialaughteryogaclub.wordpress.com/laughter-schedule/ Submitted by Matti Anttila, former GHC Bass ********************** A FAMILY DANCE FOR DANCING FAMILIES (Apr 16) Doug Paterson is calling a series of family dances (urban barn dance style) with live music by the mother and daughter duo The Tradewells. The next dance will be on Apr. 16th (Saturday night) It starts at 7 p.m. in the Fairfield United Church Hall at Fairfield and Moss. Lots of fun! No experience necessary! Tickets $15 for two + $5 for each additional person in the family (under 6 free) For information call Doug at 250-385-SING (7464) Bring your friends and family. Join us in building musical bridges between generations…and creating community with everyone…through song and dance. Submitted by Doug Paterson CCLT5 - 2008/09. ********************** School District 61's Honour Choir YOUTH CHOIR 61 IN CONCERT (Apr 16) We are involved in a choir with La Jeunesse from Cobour, Ontario which is visiting us April 12-18 and we will be travelling to Ontario in May. We are looking for support from the Victoria choir community. We invite all choral singers to our upcoming ―Between Friend‖ concert on April 16th, in the hope that some might like to hear our young choristers and also to support our fundraiser for Free The Children! For location, times and other details please click on:

http://www.o-my.info/ghc/nl/2011/0401/youth-choir-61.pdf

Submitted by Bill Hanson GHC Bass etc. on behalf youthful voices everywhere ********************** WRITE WHERE YOU ARE 8-week creative writing series with June Swadron (earlybird Apr 18)

Do you like to write and play with words or are you standing on the sidelines wishing you could? Well you absolutely can! This workshop teaches you the art & joy of writing. You will break through writer‘s block, access the inner muse, bring your passion onto the page and share in a fun nurturing environment. ―Thank you for helping me silence my critic and to simply write. I am stronger because of you. ― Rebecca Kennel, author of Victoria Bench by Bench Thursdays – 12:30 3:30 at Church of Truth begins April 28th, 2011 $325.00 Early Bird - $295.00 by April 18th

* Special payment arrangements available http://juneswadron.com/workshops/write-where-you-are email juneswadron@gmail.com Call: 250 – 385-2205 Submitted by June Swadron, Former GHC member Alto ********************** ARE YOU WRITING A BOOK? (earlybird Apr 18) Dreaming of becoming a published author? Trying to get another book published? Feeling like you can‘t do it alone? Authors June Swadron and Esther Hart offer mentoring by them, and group support, to get you to the finish line. This is a safe place for about-to-be authors to gather together, read portions of their book and receive feedback from Esther and June and one another. You will also learn valuable information about the publishing industry and what options are available.

Wednesdays 2:30 – 5:00 pm, begins May 11, 2011 for 8 weeks $325.00 - Early bird $295.00 by April 18 Special payment arrangements available Information/registration: call 250-896-5933 authorssolutions@gmail.com http://authorssolutions.com/authors-support-group/ Submitted by: June Swadron, former GHC Alto

********************** RE-WRITE YOUR LIFE WRITING SERIES (earlybird Apr 22) 8 weeks with June Swadron Learn to write your life stories using a unique transformational process that empowers you make peace with the past so that you can fully rejoice in your life today. A sacred circle and an honouring of each person‘s personal journey. The course is based on June‘s widely acclaimed book, Re-Write Your Life endorsed by Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way.

Monday Evenings at Church of Truth, 111 Superior St. 6:30 – 9:30 – begins May 2nd 2011 $325.00 or $295.00 Early Bird by April 22 * Special payment arrangements available Watch video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcDtScvbpZY Full details: http://juneswadron.com/re-write-your-life email juneswadron@gmail.com or call June at 385-2205 Submitted by: June Swadron, former GHC Alto ********************** TRANQUIL MOMENTS (Apr 24) I warmly invite you to participate in the monthly Baha'i chant circles that I am leading in conjunction with UVIC's Interfaith Chaplaincy. "Tranquil Moments" have been held the Last Sunday of each month at the Interfaith Chapel but our Apr 24h chant will be the last until the Fall.

http://www.uvic.ca/buildings/cha.html Date: Apr 24, etc. Time: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., chanting from cross-cultural spiritual traditions Followed by an opportunity for questions and answers about the Baha'i Faith Chanting is a spiritual practice that creates deep joy, harmony and health. It is my pleasure to share this with the community at no charge. See also: www.sacredworldsong.com

In harmony, Submitted by Nancy Watters CCLT 1 - 2004/5 ********************** CONVERSATIONS ON THE NEW COSMOLOGY (Apr 28) ―The time is past for us to deal with the human story apart from the life story, or the Earth story and the universe story. We were also beyond the time when scientific story can identify the world of reality with the material and mechanistic aspects of the universe and to eliminate our capacities for that intimate communion with the natural world.‖ Facilitator: Bill Wilson, SJ PhD. Date: Apr 28 Time: 12:00 pm—1:30 pm Cost: $10.00 suggested donation. Location: Friend‘s Meeting House 1831 Fern St.

Submitted by Gertie Jocksch Monday Soprano ********************** DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE IN VICTORIA (Apr 29, May 27+)

The Dances combine love, joy, and sacred phrases from many spiritual traditions with simple folkdance movements - with the intention of creating peace where we are and peace throughout the planet, using whole body prayer. Please join with us in creating a healing vortex for our earth and for all people in turmoil at this pivotal point in our history. No experience necessary - we teach every dance each time. Suggested donation $7 - $10 Where: Church of Truth, 111 Superior St. When: 7:00 - 9:00 pm March 25th and the Last Friday of each month For more info:

http://www.o-my.info/ghc/nl/2011/0318/universal-peace.jpg 250-598-8243, kjphoenix@dancingflowers.com

"May the Dances of Universal Peace inspire you to energize your own Dance of Life."

Saadi Neil Douglas Klotz Submitted by Khrystie Phoenix, Monday Alto

********************** DAVID WHYTE AT ROYAL ROADS (May 6) A deeply imaginative evening Fri, May 6, 2011 7:30pm – 9:30pm One of the few poets to bring creativity into organizations while reaching a global critical mass of recognition. David‘s poetry is being spoken in the same breath as other major contemporary, Irish American and English poets. Some of the gorgeous poetry Denis quotes at the end of choir sessions is David‘s. Denis will be joining David with his music contribution. Not to be missed! $ 30 + applicable taxes To register, call 250-391-2600 x 4801 or email continuingstudies@royalroads.ca or visit www.royalroads/continuing-studies Submitted jointly by

Denis Donnelly, GHC & Soundings Director ~ and ~ Hilary Leighton GHC Alto & Royal Roads Director, Continuing Studies

********************** DAVID WHYTE ~ CLEAR MIND WILD HEART: Finding Courage, Clarity & Leadership Through Poetry (May 7)

A 1 day workshop with world renowned poet David Whyte Sat, May 7, 2011 10am - 4pm The insights and imagery of poetry can call us to look life straight in the eyes. It tells us we can enlarge ourselves to become a participating element in a new future. This workshop will be a time to engage with the frontier on which we find ourselves at this particular point in our lives, to understand again the very personal nature of our conversation with the future and to strike out boldly for that horizon. $ 125 + applicable taxes To register, call 250-391-2600 x 4801 or email continuingstudies@royalroads.ca or visit www.royalroads/continuing-studies

Submitted jointly by

Denis Donnelly, GHC & Soundings Director ~ and ~

Hilary Leighton GHC Alto & Royal Roads Director, Continuing Studies

A reward of laughter for reading this far

It all began with an iPhone....

Submitted by Bill Hanson from a cyber forward from someone who shall remain anonymous

March was when my son celebrated his 15th birthday, and I got him an iPhone. He just loved it. Who wouldn't?

I celebrated my birthday in August, and my wife made me very happy when she bought me an iPad.

My other son's birthday was also in August so I got him an iPod Touch.

My wife celebrated her birthday in September so I got her an iRon.

It was around then that the fight started...... What my wife failed to recognize is that the iRon can be integrated into the home network with the iWash, iCook and iClean. This inevitably activates the iNag reminder service. I should be out of the hospital by Monday but Doc says I'll have permanent scars and always walk with a limp! ============ THAT'S ALL FOLKS ============ Making Universal Sounds In Community A Community Choir Crescendo, check it out! http://www.ubuntuchoirs.net/locator_coastal_BC.php ========================================