OCT. 9
Mount Arrowsmith Rhododendron Society (MARS): General Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones St. Speakers: Lloyd Gilmore on Rhodo Hybridizing and Rose Prufer on propagating Rhodos. Info: www.marsrhodos.ca.
Flagship Romance Concert: Flagship Romance is an unforgettable alternative folk duo known for their breathtaking vocal harmonies, inspired songwriting, dynamic live show, and a remarkable on and off-stage chemistry. This intimate acoustic performance will be at Rotary House, 211 Fern Road West Qualicum Beach. $25 cash at the door or $22.63 on-line from Eventbrite.ca. Doors 6:30 p.m. Concert at 7 p.m.
OCT. 10
Mid Island Floral Art Club: Special demonstration by designer Katherine Olmstead of Autumnal arrangements; 2:15 p.m. (doors open 2 p.m.) at St. Stephen's United Church Hall,150 Village Way in Qualicum Beach. Tickets $10 at the door. Info: Joanne 250-757-8969.
OCT. 12
The Art of the Fire Show and Sale: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. Featuring more than 20 Mid-Island potters. Free admission, raffle for charity, refreshments by Wild Roots Cafe. Info: Instagram: midislandpotters; Facebook: Mid Island Potters.
OCT. 13
Qualicum Beach Residents Association: Pleased to co-host a Health Care Community Forum with the Fair Care Alliance, starting at 2 p.m. at the Qualicum Beach Civic Center (727 Jones St.). Keynote speaker will be Donna Hais of the Fair Care Alliance, who will take questions submitted using the cards provided. Secondary speakers will include candidates in the Oct. 19 election who will introduce themselves and will take questions on the issue of the health crises using the cards provided.
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 to 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. crib, 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.
RDN: Free Learn How To Ride the Bus Sessions
Are you feeling confused or unsure how to get around on transit? Then join us for a fun and free group session. Pre-registration is required. All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. Ravensong Aquatic Centre: Oct. 5: 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Oct. 26: 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Oceanside Place Arena: Oct. 5: 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Oct. 26: 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.To pre-register call 250-248-3252 or 250-752-5014 or go online to rdn.bc.ca/recreation/
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.
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.
