OCT. 3
CONCORD MASONIC LODGE: Concord Lodge No. 79 is a Masonic Lodge that has been active in the Parksville, British Columbia 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. Meets on the first Thursday of each month 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.
OCT. 5
Open House and Sale: Oct. 5-6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring boutique quilt items, watercolours, encaustics and award-winning art quilts. 168 Garden Road West, Qualicum Beach.
SOS Learning Series: Aging with Purpose & Grace; 9 a.m. to noon, doors open at 8:30 a.m. Society of Organized Services Community Services Centre, 245 Hirst Ave. West, Parksville. Learn and ask questions from an esteemed group of experts. Pre-register at SOSAgingwithPurposeandGrace.eventbrite.ca. This event was fully registered in only five days last October with a wait list, so avoid disappointment and register early.
OCT. 6
BC Culture Days: DeCosmos art group sponsoring 'The Steampunk Recycled Metal Miniature Sculpture Project', 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jensen Centre, 132 Jensen Avenue East, Parksville. A free or by donation family focused event and competition that is open to everyone who is five years and older. Anyone under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. You will turn “trash into treasures” by recycling scrap metal. All materials required, aside from your own collection of great metal ‘junk’, will be provided, including gloves and masks for those that need them. Local artists will be on site to guide you.
OCT. 7
Canadian Federation of University Women Parksville Qualicum: General meeting with guest speaker Markham Hislop, 'Shine A Light on our Community', 7 p.m., Qualicum Beach Civlc Centre, everyone invited. cfuwpq.ca or email president@cfuwpq.ca.
OCT. 8
Qualicum Beach Garden Club: General Meeting, 7:30 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.); Guests $3. Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. Guest Speakers/Topics: Mariah of West Coast Plants with a presentation on garlic; and Michalina of Cicada Seeds with a presentation on seed harvesting.Info: https://qualicumbeachgardenclub.ca/
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.
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.
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. Family Feud: Oct. 3, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., $10, sign up at the branch.
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 - 1 p.m., Ladies Pool - 7 p.m. Darts 7p.m. Wednesdays: Pool 1 p.m. & Regular crib - 1:15 p.m., prizes. Thursday: Kitchen open 11 a.m., Pool, noon & Euchre 1 p.m., Dominoes/Mexican Train - 1:30 p.m. Friday: 10 Card Cri b- 1:15 p.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 5 p.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.
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: 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. Visitors/new memberships welcome. Info: 250-752-6837.
Parksville Lawn Bowling Club: Maj Jong runs every Monday until the end of March 2025. Cost is $2 per person per visit. Open to the public. 149 E. Stanford in Parksville.
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: 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.
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.
Table Tennis/Ping Pong: Thursday afternoons 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Qualicum Beach Community Hall $5 drop-in. Everybody welcome whether new to the game or an expert.
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.
