OCT. 30
Canadian International Council: Lunch and lecture at Fairwinds Golf Centre, 3730 Fairwinds Dr., Nanoose Bay. Hugh Stephens, author of “In Defence of Copyright” will present “Poets, Publishers, and Pirates: Copyright in Canada – What it is, Why You Should Care, and How Canada’s International Commitments Shape Copyright in Canada Today”. Lecture and light lunch: $30. Starts at 11:30 a.m. For special seating requirements email Kim at vancouverisland@thecic.org. To register, tickets are available online at www.Eventbrite.ca, search “Poets, Publishers and Pirates: Copyright in Canada Today”. Tickets also available at the door – cash only.
NOV. 1
Oceanside Folk/Roots and Blues Club: Presents Sophie Lukacs Trio - Amazing African/Canadian music by this award-winning world music performer. Striking vocals and her masterful playing of the KORA has made this group a world-class phenomenon. Qualicum Beach Community Hall, 644 Memorial Ave. Tickets $37, Doors at 6.15 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Info: micksherlock58@gmail.com, 403-608-7280.
NOV. 2
Oceanside Ducks Unlimited: Annual Banquet, Qualicum Beach Civie Centre, 747 Jones St. Tickets $100. Guests will be treated to a special evening of music, entertainment, dinner, raffles, and our popular silent and live auctions. Info: Darin, 250-951-1457 or John, 250240-6800.
NOV. 4
Canadian Federation of University Women Parksville Qualicum: General meeting with guest speaker Ievgeniia Galushka, newcomer from Ukraine, will share her unique journey from teaching high level mathematics to nurturing the minds of young children highlighting the transformative impact of education at all stages of life. 7 p.m., Knox United Church, 345 Pym St. Everyone invited. Info: cfuwpq.ca or email president@cfuwpq.ca
NOV. 5
Parksville and District Rock and Gem Club: General meeting, 7 p.m.; Bradley Centre, 975 Shearme Rd. Coombs. AGM and election of officers. Info: http://pdrockandgem.org/ or by email at pdrockandgem24@shaw.ca.
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. 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. 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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: Do you enjoy… hiking, biking, walking, talking, curling, wood carving, card games, dancing, socials, indoor slo-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 9:30-11 a.m. Just $5 for the rest of 2024; free for over 90s. Get active, get involved, 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 $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. 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.
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.
