OCT. 15-31
RDN Spooky Storywalk®: Explore a spooky story. Follow the signs along the trail, meet characters in scenic spots, and feel the book come alive. Free drop-in. Contact RDN Recreation and Parks by calling 250-248-3252 or 250-752-5014 or go online rdn.bc.ca/recreation. Stone Lake Drive Community Park.
OCT. 19
Qualicum Beach Lawn Bowling Club: Garage Sale, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Great choices! Great prices!
OCT. 19-20
Arrowsmith Naturalists annual Mushroom and Nature Festival: QB Civic Centre. Drop off your samples on Saturday for ID from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Come on Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to enjoy the festival. Costumes encouraged.
OCT. 20
Exchange of Ideas Talk Series: invites you to a talk on 'Baking Bread in a Wood-Fired Outdoor Oven'. Come to learn about this age-old process; and you can learn how to make your own wood-fired oven, too. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Lighthouse Community Centre, 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Beach. Info: https://communitybaking.ca/
OCT. 23-31
Bowser Seniors Housing Society: Hosting an ONLINE AUCTION. More than 100 items up for bid — start your Christmas shopping early. Bids open at 9 a.m. Oct. 23 and close at 9 p.m. on Oct. 31. See our ad in the Oct. 23 PQB News for the QR code to log into the auction.
OCT. 25
2024-2025 Mid Island Storytellers (MIST) SEASON: Scary Tales of Mystery & Imagination: McMillan Arts Centre, Parksville. Performance at 7 p.m., doors open 6:30 p.m. Tickets $20 at the MAC Box Office ($18 for MIST members.)
OCT. 26
Trick or Treat @ the Museum: Trick or treaters can go door-to-door in Parksville Museum’s decorated and lit-up village. Come costumed for goodies, activities, live music, and most importantly: candy. Let spookiness ensue! Family friendly, free admission, open to the public. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Church of the Ascension Catholic Women's League: Fall Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 887 Wembley Rd., Parksville. Crafts, baking, Christmas decorations and much more. Everyone is welcome.
OCT. 27
Parksville Fire Rescue Open House: Parksville Volunteer Fire Department members will host their annual open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Parksville Fire Hall, 160 Jensen Avenue West. Residents are invited to learn about fire safety including home fire sprinklers, smoke alarms and home escape plans. There will be educational displays and activities where you will learn how to use a fire extinguisher, how to perform CPR, try hose and target practice, and there’s also a bunker gear challenge for kids. Info: Parksvillefirerescue.ca.
She-Sells Market: Women entrepreneurs doing what we can to help other women. Parksville Curling Club, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendor event, but with a twist. We have invited a not-for-profit organization of women who are joining forces with us. They are Island Harmony - an a capella performing chorus with the several members living in the Qualicum/Parksville area. Island Harmony will be present at our event not only to raise some needed funds to keep them going, but also to perform at various points throughout the day. Island Harmony raises money not only for themselves, but they also donate some of their proceeds to a women’s shelter. Women helping women helping women! Juried vendors setting up both inside the lobby and outside in front of the building. Food trucks on site. Info: 306-229-5310.
Social Dance at the Bradley Centre: 2-4 p.m. Including a Country 2 step lesson with Keith and Holly from Courtenay 2-2:45 p.m. $10 admission. Info: Judy 250-752-6837.
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: Every first and third Monday of the month; food 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., music 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27: General meeting at 2 p.m. in the hall. POPPY CAMPAIGN KICKOFF: Friday, Oct. 25 @ 9:30 a.m. at the Cenotaph. HALLOWEEN BASH: Saturday, Oct. 26 - Music by "Babe Jane', Food & Prizes, Prices $35/pp.
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 –11:15 a.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.
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.
PGOSA: They're back: Curling, indoor slo-pitch, volleyball, pickleball and walking soccer, and you can still enjoy hiking, biking, walking, social dance, card games and now wood carving, too. 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 join at the Oceanside Place Arena Wednesday mornings, Oct. 16 or Oct. 30 from 9:30-11 a.m. Membership is a bargain at just $5 for the balance of 2024, and over 90s are still free. Meet new friends and have fun.
Parksville Lawn Bowling Club: Offering activities to beat the winter blahs from October through March, 2025. Crib begins Oct. 16th and Bridge begins October 17, both at 1 p.m. Cost is $4 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. Come join us for something fun to do on a Saturday afternoon. Oct. 3 is Kid's Spooky Day, including treats, spooky headband-making, Halloween crafts, a 'bat cave' and our very special 'spooky pumpkin scavenger hunt'. Info: 250-752-5533.
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.
PROBUS Parksville Club: Social Club for Seniors. Next meeting is Oct. 21. Parksville Community Centre at 223 Mills Street (behind Starbucks) Doors will open at 9:15 a.m. There is a $5 entry charge to cover coffee, tea, and freshly baked goodies. Guest speakers are Dr. David Robertson, Medical Director and Amanda Proznick, Regional Manager, both of the Island Health MAID Program. (Medical Assistance in Dying). 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.
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.
