JAN. 7
Parksville and District Rock and Gem Club: General meeting, 7 p.m.; this date only at the Bradley Centre, 975 Shearme Rd., Coombs. Presentation: Dan Bowen, president of the Vancouver Island Paleontological Society, will speak on Vancouver Island Paleontology. Info: http://pdrockandgem.org/ or by email at pdrockandgem24@shaw.ca.
JAN. 9
So, You're alive, great! Now what?: Lecture Presentation, McMillan Arts Centre, 133 McMillan St., Parksville, 7 p.m. By donation ($15 suggested) Lecturer: François Bouchard. It's not too late to confront those philosophical questions that we avoided all our lives. Learning about the rules of life, which differ from the rules of social and political structure. Learning where we come from, why we are here and where we are going after forms the basic knowledge of life that everyone should have. Info: phrenswa@gmail.com.
JAN. 10
Jenny Lester and the Generation Gap: Hot licks Bluegrass and high lonesome songs from this crack band of Bluegrass veterans. Jenny's brand new band with a brand new lineup of exciting tunes and tales. Tickets $32. Rotary House, 211 Fern Rd., Qualicum Beach. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Info: 403-608-7280 or email micksherlock58@gmail.com.
JAN. 12
Affordable Luxury: Cost-savvy Renovation & Design Seminar: 1-3:30 p.m., Fairwinds Wellness Club, 3455 Fairwinds Dr, Nanoose Bay. RSVP: Eventbrite - tickets are free, seats are limited. Cash donations are greatly appreciated for the Nanoose Community Services Food Program. Join us for an exclusive seminar tailored for discerning homeowners like yourself, where we explore how to elevate your living space with luxury touches while staying within your budget. This event will feature expert insights from industry leaders who understand the art of combining elegance with financial prudence. Enjoy complimentary snacks, beverages, and a chance to win great door prizes.
JAN. 14
Qualicum Beach Garden Club: Coping with Heartache through Nature's Cycles with Stephanie Rose; QB Civic Centre, 747 Jones Ave., 7:30 p.m.
JAN. 15
The Canadian International Council (CIC): Invites you to a lecture 'Trump 2.0 – What Trump’s Win Means for the US Foreign Policy. by Darrell Blocker. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and lecture is 1:30-3 p.m. Beach Club Resort – Oceanic Ballroom, Parksville. $30. For special seating requirements email Kim at: vancouverisland@thecic.org. To register, tickets are available online at www.Eventbrite.ca, search 'Trump 2.0 – What Trump’s Win Means for the US Foreign Policy'. Tickets also available at the door – cash only.
JAN. 20
Parksville Fire Recruitment Open Practice: 7 p.m. to 9 .m. Regular practice will be open to those interested in being a firefighter. Arrive by 6.30 p.m., dress for the weather, and stay as long as you wish. This open practice is a perfect chance to observe a practice, see firsthand what’s involved in training, ask questions, and chat with members. The firehall is located at 160 Jensen Avenue West.
Parksville Probus Club: Social club for retirees. We meet at the Parksville Community Centre, 223 Mills St. (behind Starbucks) Doors open at 9:15 a.m. There is a $5 entry charge to cover coffee, tea, and goodies. Jan 20 guest speaker is Ross Peterson, retired Director of Emergency Management for North Shore municipalities who will explain why personal preparedness is essential, why governments cannot do it for you, and for which emergencies you should prepare.
Given where we live, and the increase in extreme weather events, this presentation is well worth attending. Guests are most welcome. Info: Lila at 250-816-2708 or email speakers@parksvilleprobus.ca to reserve your seat.
JAN. 21
Oceanside Women's Business Networking Group: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Qualicum Beach Cafe, Qualicum Beach. Welcome to January - Making 2025 Your Best Year Yet! Join us for an exciting in person dinner/networking event. Get ready to kick off the new year with a bang and set yourself up for success in 2025. This event will be a blend of creativity, goal-setting, and actionable strategies to help you achieve your personal and professional dreams. Don't miss out on this opportunity to join a supportive community of local business women, while you eat a delicious dinner, network, learn and grow.
ONGOING
Oceanside Music: Mondays: Oceanside Adult Beginners Band starts its spring season on Jan. 6. If you’ve never played an instrument or want to learn another, this is the perfect opportunity to learn. Under the direction of Ed Dumas, lessons take place on Mondays at 2:30 p.m. at the Berwick Seniors Community Living in Parksville, or 7 p.m. at the St. Anne/St. Edmund church in Parksville. Tuesdays: Oceanside Concert Choir begins its spring season on Jan. 7. Everyone welcome. No auditions required. Rehearsals are every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at the Knox United Church, Parksville. Oceanside Concert Band begins its spring season on Jan. 7. Suitable for musicians with some experience. No auditions required. Rehearsals are every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at the St. Anne/St. Edmund church, Parksville. Wednesdays: Oceanside Consort A Cappella Singers begin their spring season on Jan. 8. Rehearsals are every Wednesday from 7-9 at the Knox United Church, Parksville. For all: visit oceanside-music.ca, email consort@oceanside-music.ca, or call 250-594-4755 for more information.
Rotary Club of Parksville: New members welcome. Club meets at the Parksville Community Centre, 223 Mills St., every second and fourth Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Weekly Bottle Drop, every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Speedy Glass in Parksville. All recyclable bottles, cans and milk cartons accepted, with funds raised going back into the community. Info: www.parksvillerotary.ca.
Royal Canadian Legion Qualicum Beach Branch 76: Open 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week; Ladies Pool, Tuesday, 1 p.m. and Drop-in pool 1 p.m.; Darts - League Tuesdays - 6:30 p.m., Casual Fridays, 6 p.m. Meat Draws - Friday & Saturday from 4-6 p.m. in the lounge. Mexican Train - Thursdays 1 p.m. Monthly Birthday Celebration: second Wednesday of the month, 4 p.m. Bring appies, cake served; Duplicate Bridge - Monday and Friday, 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the hall. Robbie Burns Supper, Jan. 25 at 5 p.m.; Tickets: $55. General meeting: Jan. 26, 2 p.m. in the hall.
Royal Canadian Legion Bowser – Branch 211: Winter hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, lounge opens at 3 p.m. Wednesdays: Ladies Pool and Cribbage - 4 p.m. Thursdays: Men's Pool and Darts - 6 p.m. Meat Draws - Fridays at 5 p.m. and Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. Live Music Jams, second an fourth Fridays each month. Info: 250-757-922; www.rcl211.org; rcl211@shaw.ca. Members, guests and prospective members always welcome.
Royal Canadian Legion Mt. Arrowsmith, Branch 49 Parksville: A community-based service organization offering social and recreation activities plus weekly lunch and dinner specials. Guests welcomed to drop in and see what we’re about. Tuesday: Canasta –1 p.m., Ladies Pool –7 p.m., Darts - 7 p.m. Wednesday: 9-ball mixed singles Pool –1 p.m., Cribbage –1:15 p.m., Drop-In Dance Nights 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday: Kitchen opens 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 8-ball mixed singles Pool–11 a.m., Euchre 1 p.m., Dominoes/Mexican Train –1:30 p.m. Friday: 10 Card Crib – 1 p.m.; Friday dinners 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday: 8-ball mixed doubles Pool-11 a.m., Meat Draw 3-5 p.m. Book a private function, or community event. Catering available. Office: 250-248-5633 between 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Qualicum Beach Farmers Market: A vibrant hub of local commerce and community connection. Join us every Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to noon, on Veterans Way, throughout the year, for a diverse assortment of vendors. The market also features live music, children’s activities, and food trucks, creating a lively atmosphere that’s enjoyable for all ages.
Qualicum Run Club: New outdoor fitness club for slow pace women - friends, fitness, coffee! Ongoing year-round, running every month in all weather. Includes athletic conditioning, structured beginner fitness program and fun active community for women who ‘hate running!’ We meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9-10 a.m., adding new times as we grow. Membership is $150/month. Licensed, experienced, and insured. Welcoming women with pace 8:30 min/km and slower (13-20 min/mile), we run 2-3 miles in the hour on mostly urban routes. Register at qualicumrunclub.ca.
Oceanside Women’s Business Network: Did you know there’s a women’s dinner and networking group here in Oceanside? If you’re a woman in business looking to grow your community and network, we’d love to have you join us! The OWBN meets once a month, on the third Tuesday of the month, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Reach out to info@owbn.ca for more details. Info: www.owbn.ca.
Parksville Community Centre: Men’s Coffee and Conversation drop-in every Tuesday 10 a.m. to noon by donation. Women’s Coffee and Conversation drop-in every Friday 10 a.m. to noon by donation. Community Wagon: Welcoming newcomers every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon. Come by and get a complimentary gift bag.
Oceanside Caregivers: Meet the last Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. at The Gardens Long Term Care, 650 Berwick Rd., North, in Qualicum Beach. We bring support by way of understanding, caring and resources, in a confidential setting. Info: 250-752-2104 or caroldowe@gmail.com.
Parksville/Qualicum Fish & Game: The Dorman Shotgun Range is a fully licensed, well-equipped shooting range located on Dorman Road in Qualicum Beach. Shooters young and old at all levels of expertise are welcome. Practice shooting for Trap and Skeet are scheduled Sundays at 10:00 a.m. and
every even-numbered Wednesday at 11 a.m.
PGOSA: Has sports, games, dancing and socials for Oceanside residents 55 or older. Get more info on Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association website, PGOSA.org, or join at Oceanside Place Arena Wednesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Get active, make friends and have fun!
Parksville Lawn Bowling Club: Offering activities to beat the winter blahs from October through March, 2025. Crib and bridge, both at 1 p.m. Cost is $3 per person per visit. Public is welcome. We offer a friendly atmosphere and accessible facilities. 149 E. Stanford. Info: parksvillelawnbowlingclub.com.
Save-on-Foods/ Parksville Lions Free Family Skate: Welcome back skaters to Oceanside Place Arena for free family skating on Sundays. Sessions from noon to 1:30 p.m. include ice rental, free loaner skates, loaner helmets and learn-to-skate aids. Through March 16.
Oceanside Stroke Recovery Society: Providing therapy and support to stroke survivors and their caregivers. Meets Fridays at St. Columba Church Hall, 921 Wembley Rd., Parksville at 11 a.m. Info: 250-586-6766.
CFUW PQ: 40th annual book sale donation drop box is located on the side of Save-On-Foods, facing Canadian Tire. We appreciate donations of gently used books and puzzles. For a large donation, please email booksale@cfuwpq.ca. Most of the sale’s proceeds are used for scholarships and other projects supporting women in District 69. Our next sale is Sept. 23-28, 2025, at Arrowsmith Hall in Coombs.
Qualicum Beach Museum: Now open Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. 'Learning Saturdays' are great for families with children, and include a child-focused activity with a different theme each month. Info: 250-752-5533.
PROBUS Parksville Club: Social Club for Seniors. Parksville Community Centre at 223 Mills Street (behind Starbucks). Guests are most welcome. Info: Harry at 778-584-0909 or email ProbusMembershipChair@gmail.com.
Qualicum Beach Probus Group: We are an active social group of retired and semi-retired seniors which meets on the first Tuesday each month at St. Stephen’s Church (150 Village Way, Qualicum Beach). We have a variety of interesting and diverse speakers and several special interest groups. We welcome guests interested in exploring, joining us and meeting new friends. Check out our activities at www.qbprobus.com.
NWB PROBUS Club nanoose Bay: First Friday of each month. Please join us at 9:15 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church Hall 2600 Powder Point Rd. Meet new friends over coffee and goodies and enjoy interesting speakers. $5. Visitors/new members welcome. Info: nwbprobus.org.
Lighthouse Community Hall: 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay. Second Sunday of each month a local charity hosts our Open Market (8 a.m. to noon) and Pancake Breakfast (8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.). For information on table rentals contact Barb: vendors@lighthousehall.ca. Pancake breakfast contact the office: admin@lighthousehall.ca or 778-424-9900.
Qualicum Beach and Area Newcomers: Meet the second Tuesday of every month, 10 a.m., at St. Stephen’s Church Hall, 150 Village Way, Qualicum Beach. All residents welcome. Info: qbnewcomers.org.
Seated Tai Chi: Tuesdays 10:30-11:30 a.m., Nanoose Place (Committee Room), Nanoose Bay. Helpful for everybody, and especially students with health and mobility issues. While seated in class, students learn movements which help to increase circulation, as well as to improve joint mobility, and to stretch the tendons and ligaments. Info: 778-744-0413; midislandtaichi.org. By donation.
Coronation Street Social Club of Oceanside: Meets September thru June on the second Thursday each month at Qualicum Beach Legion (downstairs) 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.. If you are looking for a fun, social group come and join us for lively talk, shared stories and meet new friends. Don’t need to be a fan of the show, all that’s required is a sense of humour. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be served. Info: 240-594-1965.
Coombs Rodeo Grounds: Pancake Breakfast and Flea Market, the first Sunday of each month. For table rentals, call Val at 250-752-9735. More info: 250-927-2747. Coombs Country Opera: third Friday of each month. Open mic music for everyone, not just country. Musicians and kids free, adults $5. Coffee and cookies.
Smart Recovery: Meetings are Saturdays at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.. New Women's Only meeting on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., starting on Jan. 7, 2025. All meetings at 245 Hirst Ave. W. Info: 250-586-3727.
Oceanside Wood Carvers: Meet every Thursday morning 9 a.m. at Qualicum Beach Elementary School (699 Claymore Rd.). Enter from the west end side door to woodworking room on left. Info: Bob McInnes at 250-586-8689 or r.j.mcinnes@shaw.ca.
Concord Masonic Lodge: Concord Lodge No. 79 has been active in the Parksville community since 1915. It is involved in various charitable activities in the community and on Vancouver Island including providing bursaries to local high school students in need of funding to attend post-secondary education. Lodge meets on the first Thursday of each month for regular meetings to join in fellowship and practise Freemasonry in Oceanside. Meeting at Concord Masonic Temple 136 Memorial Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner and brotherhood, Lodge tyles at 7:30 p.m. Guests and sojourning brethren welcome. Info: www.concordlodge79.com.
Parksville Tops 985 Weight Loss Support Group: Meetings: Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. Weigh-in: 5-6 p.m., Parksville Seniors Drop in Centre 144 Middleton Ave., Parksville. Parking and enter from the alley entrance. Info: Liz, 250-954-1809.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly): Qualicum 4754 is a weight-loss non-profit support group. We meet every Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 184A, Second Ave W, Qualicum. Meeting includes a weigh-in and program. Info: Janice 250-738-6220.
Oceanside Chess Club: Meet on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Marks Church, 138 Hoylake Rd W., in the basement. No cost to attend; small donations appreciated. All welcome.
Arbutus Toastmasters : Provides a safe, friendly environment to learn and practise the art of public speaking. Gain confidence and find your voice. We meet in person every Monday night (except stats) 7-9 p.m. at our NEW LOCATION: Inclusion Parksville building 249 Hirst Rd. West, Parksville. For more info please call 250-248-1926 or arbutus.toastmastersclubs.org.
Qualicum Beach Seniors’ Activities Centre: 703 Memorial Ave., Qualicum Beach. SUNDAYS: Contract Bridge, 1 p.m. MONDAYS: Knitting in Lounge/crocheting for Manna, 9:30-11 a.m. Yoga, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Chair Yoga, 11 a.m.-noon, Qualicum Beach Ukulele Band, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Beginner Ukulele in Lounge, 3-4 p.m., Line Dance I, 3-4 p.m., Line Dance II, 4-5 p.m., Ballroom dance practice, 5-6 p.m., TUESDAYS: Fun Bridge, 9 a.m. -noon., Group of 8 in lounge Full 9-10 am, Whist 12:30 to 3 p.m., Songbirds, 3-4:30 p.m. WEDNESDAYS: Hatha Yoga, 10-11:15 a.m., Fun With Chaz Guitar in lounge, 12:30 -1:45 p.m., Intermediate Spanish Conversation, 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m., Chair Yoga, 1-2 p.m., Book Club in the Lounge, 2:15 - 3:15 p.m.., Drawing & Painting, 2:30 - 4 p.m., TOPS, 3:45-5 p.m., Acappella Choir, 7-9:30 p.m. THURSDAYS: Beginner Bridge Lessons, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Darts - 10 a.m-12:15 p.m., Technology Tutor in Lounge, 1:30 -3:30 p.m., Drop-in Bridge, 12:30-3 p.m. Line Dancing, 4-5 p.m., Ballroom Dance, 5-6 p.m., Dance Practice, 6-7 p.m., FRIDAYS: Ukulele Friday, 10 a.m. - noon., Introduction to American Mahjong, Lounge, 10 a.m.-noon., Mahjong in the Lounge, 1-3 p.m., Art, 1-3 p.m. SATURDAYS: Hatha Yoga With Richard, 9:45 to 11 a.m., Qi Gong 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Qualicum Beach FamilySearch Centre: Interested in adding to your family tree or finding out more about your grandparents? When you visit the Family Search Centre our volunteers are there to help you. Access to nine major family history websites including Ancestry. The centre is located at 591 Arbutus Rd., Qualicum Beach within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is open every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop-ins welcome or make an appointment with Liz at 250-586-3575.
Qualicum History Tours: Historical walking tours with an experienced local guide leave every Tuesday from the Qualicum Beach Museum. $20 per person. Info: 604-754-4465.
Overeaters Anonymous: Have you tried to control your eating, your weight, and nothing has worked? Join Overeaters Anonymous, we are recovering compulsive overeaters, under-eaters, food addicts, anorexics, bulimics, binge eaters and over exercisers. We meet at Knox United Church at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays in Parksville. Info: oaviig.org.
Smart Recovery Meetings: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. at SOS at 245 Hirst Ave. Questions call John at 250-586-3727.
Oceanside A Cappella: Welcomes women singers of all ages. Rehearsals every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Senior Activity Centre in Qualicum Beach. Director Rosemary Lindsey. Info: oceansideacappella@gmail.com.
Arrowsmith Needle Arts Guild: Meets alternate Thursdays in Parksville and welcomes any interested embroiderers. Info: Moyra, 250-248-7108 or Lynda, 250-927-4015.
Too Hot for Covers: Song Circle every Wednesday, Parksville Memorial Plaza, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Info: 250-927-2559.
