SEPT. 5
Tai Chi Open House: Nanoose Place. Freeand open to the public, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 2925 North West Bay Rd., Nanoose Bay. Watch demos of seated/standing Tai Chi, and Lok Hup. Meet Mid Island Tai Chi Club’s instructors and students. Find out about the health benefits of Tai Chi. Try warmup exercises, and participate. Register on-site for our Intro to Tai Chi 8-week by- donation class which starts Sept 12. Info: 778-744-0413; midislandtaichi.org.
Qualicum Beach Table Tennis Club: New time and day. We have changed to Thursday afternoons 2-4 at Qualicum Beach Community Centre. Everyone welcome. Whether you are new to the game, haven’t played for years but would like to try again or even if you are an expert. $5 drop-in.
#SOSTeenShop: Adding fun to back-to-school shopping. Youth aged 12 to 19 are invited to explore unique finds, enjoy snacks and activities, score deals on sustainable fashion and enjoy music and good vibes. Every purchase supports our community. 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., SOS Thrift Shop, 188 Hirst Ave. W., Parksville.
SEPT. 6
‘Still Crazy... The Paul Simon Songbook’: All Star lineup performs songs from the Simon songbook. Presented by Route 19A Music Festival. Knox United Church, Parksville. Doors at 6:15 p.m. Show at 7 p.m. Tickets $40. https://shop.mcmillanartscentre.com/collections/box-office. Info: 403-608-7280.
SEPT. 7
2024 Emergency Preparedness Expo: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. Expo 2024 offers something for everyone and it’s all free! First responders, government agencies, emergency supply vendors, utilities, and emergency partners will host a variety of activities to help emphasize the importance of taking steps to improve emergency preparedness and response. Displays, demonstrations, workshops, kids’ activities, and the mobile earthquake simulator, Quake Cottage. Learn about the challenges we face in an emergency and how to be better prepared.
‘Once Upon a Fiddle’: Back by popular demand, this combination spoken word and music performance tells the story of the violin...from Irish cottages to orchestras. Presented by the Route 19A Music Festival. McMillan Arts Centre. Doors at 6:30 p.m., Show at 7 p.m. Tickets $30. https://shop.mcmillanartscentre.com/collections/box-office. Info: 403-608-7280.
Festival of Flowers and Fine Arts: St. Mark’s Anglican Church (corner of Memorial and Hoylake) Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8 from 1-4 p.m. Admission by donation. Celebrate “Creation” in flowers and through the artistic skills of St. Mark’s parishioners. Special Guests: Mid-Island Floral Arts Club. Info: sueandjohn@shaw.ca
SEPT. 8
Pancake Breakfast: 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Lighthouse Community Centre in Qualicum Bay. Delicious breakfast with coffee, tea, or juice: $6, $9, $11. Hosted by Bowser Seniors Housing Society, raising funds for Lighthouse Villa. Explore the many vendors of the second Sunday Market from 8 a.m. to noon, offering jewelry, crafts, preserves, garden items and more.
SEPT. 9
Canadian Federation of University Women: Parksville Qualicum general meeting with guest speaker Janel van Dongen ‘Shine A Light on our Community’, 7 p.m., Qualicum Beach Civlc Centre, everyone invited. Info: cfuwpq.ca or email president@cfuwpq.ca.
SEPT. 10
Qualicum Beach Garden Club: Special ‘ticketed’ event, 7 p.m. (doors open 6:30 p.m.); Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. Entry to event requires a physical ticket; order online (via Linda at QBGC.event@gmail.com) or acquire at the Mulberry Bush Book Store or Arbutus Fashion Store. Club members no charge, guests $5. Topic: An evening with Des Kennedy - renowned author, satirist and one of Canada’s top gardening writers. More info: https://qualicumbeachgardenclub.ca/.
Oceanside Volunteer Fairs: SOS, in collaboration with St. Stephen’s United Church, is hosting the first-ever Oceanside Volunteer Fair. This is the first volunteer fair in the Oceanside area since before the pandemic, and we’re eager to connect with current and prospective volunteers in our community. Sept. 10: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 14: 9 a.m. to noon. 150 Village Way, Qualicum Beach. Info: volunteer@sosd69.ca.
SEPT. 16
Parksville Probus Club: Social club for seniors. Next meeting is Sept. 16. Guest speaker Dr. David Prud’homme will take us on a mind-boggling voyage through our Universe from the smallest building blocks to the unimaginably largest structures . You’ll never look at the night sky quite the same way again. Meeting at the Parksville Community Centre at 223 Mills Street (behind Starbucks). Doors open at 9:15 a.m. $5 entry charge to cover coffee, tea, and freshly baked goodies. Guests welcome. Info: Harry at 778-584-0909 or email ProbusMembershipChair@gmail.com to reserve your seat.
SEPT. 26
Canadian Association of Retired Persons Vancouver Island Chapter: Taking Action to Age in Place. Five-session workshop $40. Guest speakers. Starts Sept. 26, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Civic Centre Qualicum Beach 747 Jones St. Five consecutive Thursdays. Due to limited space pre-registration is required. Tickets sold at Mulberry Books 130 W 2nd Ave Qualicum Beach. Non CARP members welcome. Info: vancouverisland@carp.ca.
THE CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL (CIC): Invites you to its next luncheon meeting on Sept. 26, noon to 2p.m. at Fairwinds Golf Centre, 3730 Fairwinds Dr. Nanoose Bay. Dr. T. V. Paul, Distinguished James McGill Professor and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, will discuss the rise of India and the constraints it must contend with in its pursuit of major global power status. Lecture and light lunch: $30. Info: vancouverisland@thecic.org.
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.; Monday-Thursday, Darts, 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. Pancake Breakfast: every Saturday through Sept. 28, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Adults, $8, children (5-12) $4, children under 5 free.
Royal Canadian Legion Bowser – Branch 211: Men’s pool, Thursdays, 6 p.m., Darts, Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Meat draws Fridays (5 p.m.) and Saturdays (4:30 p.m.). Horseshoes, Sundays at noon. Summer hours: Thursday through Saturday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Happy Hour, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Info: 250-757-922; www.rcl211.org; rcl211@shaw.ca. Members, guests and prospective members always welcome.
Royal Canadian Legion Parksville Branch 49: Tuesdays: Canasta - 1p.m., Ladies Pool -7 p.m. Darts 7p.m. Wednesdays: Pool 1p.m. & Regular crib - 1:15p.m., prizes. Thursday: Kitchen open 11a.m., Pool, noon & Euchre 1p.m., Dominoes/Mexican Train - 1:30 p.m. Friday: 10 Card Crib- 1:15p.m., prizes. Friday night suppers 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A new special every week! Saturday: Pool - 11a.m., Meat Draw- 3 p.m. to 5p.m. Second Sunday of the month is Travelling Crib at 1 p.m. Need a partner. Dance Wednesday nights, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
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: Do you enjoy… hiking, biking, walking, talking, lawn bowling, slo-pitch, pickleball, volleyball, paddling, walking soccer, golf, card games, dancing or socials? If you’re 55 or older and live in Oceanside, Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association is for you! You can join online at pgosa.org. Get active, get involved, and have fun.
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.
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: We are a social club retired/ semi-retired men and women living in the Parksville area. Info: Harry at 778-584-0909 or send an email to probusmembershipchair@gmail.com. $5 admission fee to cover coffee, tea and freshly baked goodies. Visitors are always welcome.
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.
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.
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.
Errington Farmers Market: Open for its 51st year. Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the end of September. Live music on stage, childrens activities, or meet friends at our beautiful new picnic tables. Info: www.erringtonfarmersmarket.ca to find a map to the market in the Errington Community Park.
The Canadian International Council (CIC): Invites you to its next luncheon meeting on Sept. 26, noon to 2p.m. at Fairwinds Golf Centre, 3730 Fairwinds Dr. Nanoose Bay. Dr. T. V. Paul, Distinguished James McGill Professor and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, will discuss the rise of India and the constraints it must contend with in its pursuit of major global power status. Lecture and light lunch: $30. For special seating requirements please contact: vancouverisland@thecic.org.
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.
