NOV. 8
Lighthouse Community Hall: 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay. On the 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.). This month's charity is the Parents Auxiliary of Bowser Elementary. For information on table rentals contact Barb: vendors@lighthousehall.ca. Pancake breakfast contact the office: admin@lighthousehall.ca or 778-424-9900.
NOV. 9
Arrowsmith Christmas Pottery Sale: 10 a.m. to. 4 p.m.; Free admission; Bradley Centre, Coombs, 975 Shearme Rd. Dozens of local potters.
NOV. 12
100 Kids for Change Oceanside: Youth giving circle for ages 18 and under. Join us from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at Yates Memorial, 1000 Allsbrook Rd., Parksville. Pre-registration encouraged. Info and registration at www.100kidsoceanside.ca.
NOV. 13
Mount Arrowsmith Rhododendron Society (MARS) General Meeting: 7:30 p.m., Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones St. Speakers: Jim Cadwaladr, John Denisiger and Geoff Ball presenting on Milner Gardens. Info: www.marsrhodos.ca.
NOV. 14
Mid Island Floral Art Club: 2 p.m. Christmas-themed design using Texture Demo & Create at meeting. St Stephen's Church, 150 Village Way Qualicum Beach. Info: Joanne 250-757-8969.
NOV. 15-16
Oceanside Grandmothers to Grandmothers: Annual Christmas Extravaganza 2024 Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Bayside Resort, 240 Dogwood St., Parksville . All proceeds to the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign.
NOV. 16
RDN: Science in the Park - Stellar Salmon: Learn about the salmon lifecycle, and see where they run through this park every year; Englishman River Regional Park, Allsbrook Rd. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free drop-in.
Printmakers of the Old School House: In Qualicum Beach, will be holding an Open House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are wondering what printmaking is join us for free printmaking demos all day in the studio as well as a Show & Sale in the Sue Clark Gallery Space featuring prints by Roy Langhorst, Maria Tratt, Don Goedbloed, Audrey Keating, Linda Lewis, Karen Veistrup, Lynn Maynard, Donna McDonnell, Michael Fox and Jim Smith. 122 Fern Rd W. Info: ptoshqb@gmail.com.
NOV. 16-17
Fill the Boots for Food Drive: Fire departments in District 69 are gearing up to fill their boots for food! On the weekend of Nov. 16 and Nov. 17, firefighters will be location throughout Oceanside collecting cash donations for the Salvation Army food bank. Some departments will also accept donations at their firehalls that weekend. Parksville Fire will accept new unwrapped toys for the Society of Organized Services. Please check your fire department website for collection details.
NOV. 17
Qualicum Beach Cinema Society: Matinee presentation 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'; Qualicum Beach Legion at 180 Veteran’s Way. Admission is $5. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Tickets: qbcibnema.org. events and popups or at the door. TIFF evening presentation is 'Evil Does Not Exist.' Same location, doors open at 6:15 p.m., admission is $10. Info: 250-752-8449.
Nanoose Library: Notice of AGM/Election; The Friends of Nanoose Library Centre Society, 1 p.m., Library Hall 2489 Nanoose Rd., Nanoose Bay. Everyone welcome, however only members may vote. Info: nanooselibrary.com or 250-468-9977.
NOV. 19
Oceanside Women's Business Networking: November dinner and networking event; 5:30-8 p.m., Smitty's Restaurant, Parksville. Join for our November dinner and networking event. We have a special TED TALK guest speaker, Monica Parkin. She'll be discussing her book, 'Overcoming Awkward; An Introvert's Guide to Networking, Marketing, and Sales.' As always, there will be time for making new connections and having fun!
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. Oct. 24 is World Polio Day. In support of the global effort to eradicate polio, we will be donating the proceeds of our weekly Bottle Drops on Oct. 19 and 26 to the Polio Plus campaign. We are hoping the community will make an extra effort to bring their recycling to our Bottle Drop at Speedy Glass on those two days in an effort to rid the world of this deadly disease.
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: Nov. 4 and Dec. 2; food 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., music 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Karaoke Nite: Nov 22, 6-9 p.m. after meat draw. General meeting: Nov. 24 in the Hall; Remembrance Day Service - Nov. 11, Doors Open at 10 a.m. at the Civic Centre; service at 10:30 a.m., refreshments at the Legion Veterans following the service; open to Public at 1 p.m. Nov. 22: Karaoke, 6-9 p.m.
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. Nov. 11: Remembrance Day Services: All invited to pay respect to Canadian men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Parade begins from the Magnolia Court parking lot at 10:45 a.m. across to the cenotaph adjacent to Legion; service at the cenotaph including laying of wreaths; vintage warplane fly-over at approximately 10:55 a.m.; church choir hymns, cadets assisting with wreaths; tents for inclement weather, parking behind the Legion, all are invited to the open house at the Legion following the service for lunch. Nov. 17: Grey Cup Party and Pot Luck, 1 p.m. 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 Run Club: New outdoor fitness club for slow pace women - friends, fitness, coffee! Ongoing year-round - starting Nov. 4 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 (next Oct. 31) 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.
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. 13, 20 or 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. You can also join at our general meeting at the Bradley Centre Nov. 13 at 7 p.m., and enjoy a talk on Pat Powell's sailing adventures. 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. 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.
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. Open Mic: Oct. 20 and Oct. 27 6:30-8:30 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 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. Just inside the market space you will find the Legion pancake breakfast that runs May through September.
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.
