WEDNESDAY

Royal Roads University hosts a forum on the intersection between culture and the environment. Perspectives include education and learning from place, aesthetics and literature, grass-roots activism and democracy, and traditional Coast Salish culture.Nov. 26, 1:15 to 4:30 p.m., Quarterdeck, Grant building, 2005 Sooke Rd. Call 250-391-2511 for more information.

Friday

Metchosin and East Sooke artists are showcasing their work in painting, metal work, pottery and more during the annual Stinking Fish Studio Tour Nov. 28 - 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information and tour maps go to www.stinkingfishstudtiotour.com.

Saturday

Craft & Bake sale including homemade blackberry and apple pies, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Redeemer Lutheran Church, 911 Jenkins Ave. in Langford.

Upcoming

Our Lady of the Rosary is hosting a talk by Anne Drost, a Cool Aid nurse who volunteered in African Aids facilities and trained village women to prevent infection in their families. Our Lady of the Rosary, in the large hall, 798 Goldstream Ave., Monday, Dec. 1, 6 p.m.

Kick off the holiday season with the official Christmas Light-Up event at Veterans Memorial Park in Langford Friday, Dec. 5. Music, refreshments, trolley rides and more start at 6:30 p.m. with the light-up at 7 p.m.

Annual Truck Light parade from Ogden Point in Victoria to Western Speedway, Saturday, Dec. 6, departing about 5:45 p.m., arriving in Langford about 8:15 p.m. See www.ieoa.ca for event details.

GIFT Craft Show and Family Expo, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Eagle Ridge arena, 1089 Langford Pkwy. WinterFest ‘08 is the largest family centered holiday event on the Island. Residents can shop for locally made items, visit exhibits and celebrate community. The multicultural community stage features dance, music, puppet shows, entertainers for children and more through the weekend. To exhibit or volunteer call 250-412-7102.

The annual fire truck parade rolls out Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. at Eagle Ridge arena. Trucks are on display starting at 5 p.m. For more information call Langford Fire Rescue at 250-478-9555 or visit www.cityoflangford.ca for the parade route.

ONGOING

Dunsmuir middle school students are having an ongoing bottle drive in support of history lessons coming to life and are eager to pick up your recyclable drink containers. All returnable non-alcoholic and alcoholic drink containers are welcome. To arrange a pick-up or for more information contact Eva (250-474-7643 or eva_herbert@hotmail.com) or Candace (250-388-4431 or blaine_immel@telus.net).

Meet every morning for a quick body workout with movements incorporating tai chi, yoga, qigong, physics, positive thinking, etc. Meet at Herm Williams Park on Kelly Road from 6 to 6:15 a.m. Contact Miho Lindley at 250-391-1117 for more information on this free event.