WHAT’S ON: A list of PQB community events, week of Nov. 24, 2024

NOV. 27

Canadian International Council: Mission is to provide a platform for all Canadians to engage in global affairs.  Please join us to hear our speaker, Tim Martin, the former Canadian Ambassador to Kabul, discuss his experiences as the last Representative of Canada in Kandahar. Sunrise Resort, 1175 Resort Dr., Parksville. Cost is $30 and includes light lunch and lecture.  Doors open at 11:30 a.m, meeting runs from noon until 2 p.m. Order tickets online www.eventbrite.ca (search for “Afganistan-Unwinnable Peace”) or pay at the door – cash only.

NOV. 28

Mid-Island & Pacific Rim Branch of the National Association of Federal Retirees: Invite all members to our November general meeting and luncheon. The meeting will be held at the Tigh Na Mara Conference Centre, 1155 Resort Dr., Parksville. Doors open at 10 a.m. and coffee will be available. Meeting will begin at 11 a.m. Guest speaker will be Dan Levitt, BC Seniors Advocate. The office of Seniors Advocate is an independent office of the provincial government acting in the interest of seniors and their caregivers. Luncheon will consist of roast turkey and fixings, dessert and coffee and tea. Cost is $35. Look for our Eventbrite invitation, visit our website: https://fedretirees-nanaimo.ca or phone Jim at 250-760-2894.

NOV. 30

Printmakers of the Old School House: In Qualicum Beach, holding a free card making day in the Printmaking Studio from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Not necessarily printmaking but just a bit of fun with members of the studio. Two free blank cards for anyone who joins in. 122 Fern Rd W, Qualicum Beach. Info: ptoshqb@gmail.com.

St. Mark's Christmas Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the St. Mark’s hall (corner of Hoylake and Memorial, Qualicum Beach) Get your Christmas baking and preserves, used books, silent auction, gift bags, home made gifts, mystery bottles and refreshments. Info: http://stmarkqualicum.ca/.

Metaphysical Psychic and Wellness Fair: Knox Church, 345 Pym St., Parksville; free admission free draw for door prizes. More than 50 vendors, healers, readers, bodyworkers, alternative medicine practitioners, tarot readings, energy healing, as well as rocks and gems, jewelry, crystals, metaphysical gifts and books and much more. Speakers every hour; food truck all day. Info: 250-228-1009.   

Parksville and District Rock and Gem Club: Day One of the Sixth Annual Rock and Gem Show at Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones Street, Qualicum Beach from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This family event will include club information, demonstrations, educational displays, children's activities, and 37 vendors eager to share their rock and gem related products. There will be a food and beverage concession and ample seating to rest while shopping.  Admission is $4. Children 12 and under free with adult.  More information at https:pdrockandgem.org. Dec. 1: Day Two of the family friendly event, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the major fundraiser of the year for this active hobby club. 

Nanoose Library's Christmas Bazaar & Silent Auction: Vendors, crafters, homemade baked goods, white elephant sale and more; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Library Hall at 2489 Nanoose Rd.  

Coombs Hilliers Recreation & Community Organization: Dance with The Enablers Party Band at Coombs Rodeo Grounds. 8 p.m. to midnight, lots of room for dancing. Tickets at Fireside Books, Coombs Petrocan & Seathrift Boutique. Info: 250-927-2747.

DEC. 1

Oceanside Music: presents Oceanside Concert Choir’s winter concert, Christmas Treasures, featuring Camille Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio, sung in English. Join musicalrDirector Ann Barber-Becqué; accompanist Margaret Nelson; flautist, Laurie Dumas, and guest soloists: Andrea Rodall, soprano; Adam Dyjach, tenor; Michael MacKinnon, bass; and Shanté van Horlick, mezzo soprano, and the choir for an afternoon of festive music at 2:30 p.m. at Knox United Church, Parksville. Tickets available at Fireside Books (Parksville), Edge Outdoors (Qualicum) and at the door. All tickets, $25. Cash or cheque only. Info: www.oceanside-music.ca.   

African Chamber Music: co-presented by the Errington War Memorial Hall and Time Will Tell Arts Society, is a ground-breaking matinee concert that reimagines Zimbabwean, South African, and Ghanaian musical traditions in a contemporary Western context. Talented artists include Kurai Mubaiwa (mbira, voice, percussion) from Zimbabwe, Kofi Gbolonyo (voice, percussion) from Ghana, and Dizu Plaatjies (uhadi, umrhube, percussion, voice) from South Africa. They are joined by a skilled string quartet including Meredith Bates (viola), Peggy Lee (cello), Parmela Attariwala (viola) and Joshua Zubot (violin). Doors at 2:30 p.m., concert at 3 p.m. Tickets $30 at Shades of Green and Errington Store, $32.50 online at https://ErringtonHall.Tickit.ca. Info and video: https://erringtonhall.ca/2991/african-chamber-music-2024/.

DEC. 7

Cookies, Carols and More: Wear your favourite holiday sweater and celebrate the holiday season with the City at Cookies, Carols and More! Mark your calendars for Saturday, Dec. 7 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 pm for this free, fun, full of holiday cheer community event at the Jensen Centre. Hosted by the City of Parksville, this event will feature entertainment, refreshments, activities for kids and their families, and a visit from Santa. Everyone welcome.

Craig Bay Choristers: 3 p.m., Knox United Church. Choristers invite you to join them as they celebrate the season with a program of festive, traditional and spiritual pieces such as Ron Klusmeier’s arrangement of 'Silent Night'. Feel the magic of 'Amid the Falling Snow' originally recorded by Enya and the merriment of 'Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas' from Home Alone 2. Fun selections such as the reveal of what happens on the 'Twelve Days After Christmas' will have you chuckling. Directed by Lonnie Moddle and accompanied by Ron Klusmeier and the Craig Bay musicians. Tickets $20 (12 & under free) available from Fireside Books (cash only) in Parksville or by advance request to: cbchoirconcerts@gmail.com. We support Oceanside Hospice.

ONGOING

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. Wings & Singo: Dec. 2; food 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., music 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Dec. 1: Christmas Dinner & Gift Exchange, 5 p.m., $45, Seven-course meal. Dec. 8: Honours and Awards, 1 p.m., refreshments provided. Dec. 20: Karaoke Ugly Sweater Party, 6-9 p.m.; Chili & Bun $12.

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. (additional Christmas turkey draws Dec. 7, 14 and 21). 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. Nov. 26: General meeting and elections.

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. Saturdays through Dec. 21: Holiday Market series, featuring more than 75 vendors each week offering festive food, handcrafted artisan items, seasonal gifts, wine and spirits, and much more. This is a fantastic opportunity to support local makers, bakers, and growers on Vancouver Island. Don’t miss out on the chance to find unique holiday treasures!

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: What's your thing: hiking, biking, walking, talking, curling, wood carving, card games, dancing, socials, indoor slow pitch, volleyball, pickleball or walking soccer?  If you're 55 or older and live in Oceanside, Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association is for you!  Join online at PGOSA.org or come to the Oceanside Place Arena Wednesday mornings, Nov. 20 or 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Membership is just $5 for the rest of 2024; free for over-90s.  Come meet some new friends!

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.

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 : Find your voice and learn to speak up in public settings. We offer a safe, welcoming space to learn valuable communication and leadership skills. Live on Monday nights from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 170 Hirst St. Parksville  (Arbutus Grove Church beside SOS, doors and parking in back). Please arrive by 6:45 p.m. Zoom: arbutus.toastmastersclubs.org to obtain a link. Info: arbutustoastmasters@gmail.com.

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.