PQBeat: Recent Episodes

PQBeat

PQBeat podcasts are produced by the Black Press Media team at the Parksville Qualicum Beach News on Vancouver Island.

Host Peter McCully welcomes Peter Jory, the superintendent of schools for the Qualicum School District.

Jory discusses various aspects of education, the challenges faced by students, the impact of COVID-19 on the school system, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence.

The superintendent says the district has finished their strategic planning process, which began in the spring of 2022.

‘We’ve taken all that data through the spring working in a large diverse group of 40 volunteers and put together what we think is a plan that's going to address the needs of our kids and help us all to work towards improving educational outcomes in the next five years,” he said.

Jory also talks about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the school system, emphasizing the importance of returning to the positive and enjoyable aspects of school life that were temporarily put on hold during the pandemic.

McCully asks about the topic of letter grades. Jory explains they have been phased out in the district through Grade 9. However, letter grades remain a necessity at higher levels due to the practicalities of university admissions and scholarship eligibility.

“The letter grades end up being a de facto sorting system,” he said. “As far as teaching and learning goes, they are an inferior product. It is just not as good set of information as what we provide through feedback, through conversation, through the proficiency scales themselves.”

With artificial intelligence being used more and more in everyday life, Jory was asked about AI use in schools.

“I think in everyone's best interest that we do our best to understand it and figure out how it's going to improve student learning, how we can help our kids to make good choices, to use AI to support whatever work they're doing,” he said. “The sooner that we embrace it, manage it, understand it and have our students do the same, I think the better off we're going to be.”

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Cindy Thompson to PQBeat. Thompson is a registered clinical counsellor, a certified executive coach and host of the podcast, ‘A Resilience Project’.

“Our Resilience Project started in 2020 when we were all going through the pandemic,” said Thompson. ‘It seemed timely that there was a need to identify ways that we could help make a difference. I'm in the humanitarian field as a clinical counsellor. As a coach, I'm all about helping people and I felt like this was an opportunity to reach a broader population and make a difference at a time where we really needed it the most.”

The podcast offers interviews that provide a message of hope.

Thompson talks of her interview with Kaleb Dahlgren, a survivor of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash.

“He was 19 at the time, but it was only by the fact that he was at the back of the bus that he survived and several of his teammates died in the crash,” said Thompson. “I interviewed him and he's just this amazing young man that speaks about his practices and what got him through emotionally and physically in his healing.”

Thompson describes herself as a ‘possibilitarian’.

“I've been working with people to realize their possibilities, and to me, I see myself as a conduit or facilitator to help people realize possibilities, because we often limit ourselves,” she said. “We have limiting thoughts. We put ourselves in a box and tend to not want to stretch outside of that. Even through doing the podcast, I'm stretching myself. It's been a huge learning curve. I also encourage people to explore possibilities within themselves that haven't yet been realized’.

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Host Peter McCully chats with Emilie van den Hout, a remarkable nine-year-old girl from Qualicum Beach, making a significant impact in her community as she continues to raise funds and awareness for cancer research on Terry Fox Day.\

"I wish everybody knew how Terry was suffering from cancer and he was suffering through cancer to help other people and to make their experience a bit better," said Emilie.

Emilie's dedication and connection with Darryl Fox, Terry's brother, have also become sources of inspiration. The two have corresponded over the years, exchanging heartfelt messages. Darryl's encouraging words to Emilie have played a significant role in fueling her passion.

"Dear Emilie, I hope you always find strength in Terry's story. Anything is possible if you try," read a touching message from Darryl.

From online campaigns to door-to-door and driveway fundraisers, Emilie has gone above and beyond to contribute to the cause. One standout event was her Terry Fox ‘Fancy Party Gala’ held at the Qualicum Beach Inn, where attendees and guest Darryl Fox enjoyed silent auctions and delectable food. This successful event will become an annual tradition called ‘Friends of Fox.’

Through her various endeavors, Emilie has raised $11,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation, with the continued support of her family organizing unique driveway fundraisers where she sold cookies, water, dog treats and bracelets.

‘I have all the T-shirts. I got most of them through the Terry Fox Foundation,” said Emilie. “A woman sent them to me and said, ‘a special friend of mine would like to send these to you.’ I'm pretty sure that was probably Darryl.

To stay updated on Emilie's fundraising initiatives and participate in future events, visit her website at foxsfriends.ca.

Emilie’s unwavering commitment to Terry Fox's legacy is a testament to the enduring impact of one person's determination to make a difference.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Jeremy Humpherville to the PQBeat podcast to chat about a TV show featuring the gallery and its artists.

The program will trace the creation of art pieces, from the search for the right material, through the artistic process up to completion. The gallery artists do a lot of multimedia work, anything from wood to glass, iron and stone.

Humpherville said the idea was initially floated five or six years ago. He was discussing a project with a client, whose brother has a connection to the film world and was impressed with the custom projects — and even more impressed when he saw the gallery.

The series is planned to be 13 episodes, each approximately 30 minutes long.

“We’re basically just following them as artists, kind of the life of an artist, what it’s like here on the West Coast,” said director Darren Niblock.

Also appearing in the series are Jeremy and Darlene’s daughter, Thea Humpherville, as well as Levi Purjue, Lorne Hussey, Lisa Shepherd and Christopher Smith

“It was very respectful. Respectful of the art, all of our artists,” said Jeremy Humpherville. He added it took some time to get used to the film crew, but after a while they forget they are being filmed.

Humpherville also talks about functional art and the ‘Music by the Sea’ house project in Qualicum Beach, one of the most awarded homes in Canada.

“That house is really a living piece of art,” said Humpherville. “I'm hoping it's preserved forever because, it's really a testament to this area and what we have in local talents. It was amazing what that house on Vancouver Island has accomplished in our community.”

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Kim Burden, one of the co-founders of the 100 Fine Gentlemen of Oceanside, a charitable group in Parksville Qualicum Beach.

This group has been dedicated to raising funds for local charities, providing significant contributions to various organizations in need.

When asked about the group's origins, Burden explained, "I looked at what the 100 Women Who Care Group were doing and the money that they were raising for various charities in our community. And I thought, the men need to step up."

Inspired by the women's efforts, he sent out an email to three quarters of his Rolodex and received an overwhelming response.

For Burden, the significance of their work is deeply personal.

"Scrambling for money takes way too much time and takes away from actually doing the work of the organization," he said. "If we can provide them with a significant contribution, you can actually do something with that money.”

Charities interested in qualifying can fill out a form on the 100oceansidemen.ca website.

Burden admitted making these decisions can be challenging.

"There are good groups in our community that are doing really good work," he said. "We've given roughly $150,000 to the community over the almost four years that we've been in existence."

Always eager to welcome new members, the 100 Fine Gentlemen of Oceanside offers an open membership with a simple commitment to donate a hundred dollars four times a year.

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Host Peter McCully chats with Darren Lee of Langley who has won numerous awards for his tribute performances, including the "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist" award at the prestigious Elvis Presley Enterprises competition in Memphis, Tennessee.

Lee had a successful run in Las Vegas performing nine shows a week for 11 years as a star in the American Superstars Show, as well as a show in Maui for 4 years.

McCully asked Lee about his resemblance to Elvis, and asked if he gets strange looks now and again when out at the grocery store.

‘I have a normal job where I drive a truck for a restaurant supply company. If a restaurant needs a stove or an oven or napkins or dishes or whatever, I deliver it. There are days where I will have a show that night, and so I'll go to work fully on - hair and makeup and everything and it's, Hey it’s Elvis! Another day they'll see me with a hat on my head, not shaving for a week. And then it's, Oh my God, it's Elvis! It goes with the territory and it's cool.’

Lee's tribute to Elvis is a celebration of the music and legacy of one of the greatest entertainers of all time. His attention to detail is impeccable, from his signature jumpsuits to his trademark hip-shaking dance moves.

Lee’s fans rave about his energy and charisma on stage.

Robin Lee, Darren’s brother is also an Elvis tribute artist.

‘He was left-handed when he was born, but my mother turned him right-handed. When he dances, it's the complete opposite of me. So, we've done a lot of shows that we call the Presley’s. It's the two of us doing the show. We don't say you are Jesse and I'm Elvis, but it was basically, what if Elvis's twin brother hadn't died at birth, would there have been two of them?’

You will find a listing of Lee’s upcoming B.C. performances here.

He is scheduled to perform as part of the ‘Rock the Park’ Weekend in Parksville, Sunday August 13th at 4pm.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Lissa Alexander, communications manager of District 69 Society of Organized Services (SOS), in a podcast interview.

The SOS Thrift Shop remains the primary funder for all 25 programs and services offered by SOS. Alexander highlighted the diverse range of programs available, including child, youth and family programs, free tutoring, counselling referral, homeless prevention, and the iconic Meals on Wheels program, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Delving into interesting thrift shop stories, Alexander shared some fascinating donations, such as an antique fireman's outfit from the early 1900s, a tortoiseshell tea caddy from the late 1800s, and a working Mickey Mouse movie projector from the 1930s.

‘Legacy Events’ planned are planned to celebrate the organization's longstanding presence in the community while promoting the All-In For Kids campaign, which aims to provide more opportunities for local children and youth in recreational activities.

‘Our All-In For Kids campaign is helping local children and youth with more opportunities to grow and thrive through recreation,” said Alexander. “We’re just spreading the word that we're really trying to help fund those programs of ours that help children get out there and play.”

Another notable event mentioned was the teen shopping event, which took place in May. Alexander explained that these events provided a fun and engaging experience for youth aged 12 to 19, allowing them to explore clothing and other items at the thrift shop. With approximately 80 youth in attendance, the event was deemed highly successful, prompting SOS to plan two such events per year. The next one is scheduled for Sept. 7.

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Parksville volunteer firefighter Kirk Wolstenholme is gearing up for an incredible challenge as he joins the Tour de Rock this fall. In a recent PQBeat podcast interview with Peter McCully, Wolstenholme shared his motivation for participating in the cycling event, which raises funds for Camp Good Times through the Canadian Cancer Society.

When he moved to Vancouver Island in 2015, he became aware of the Tour de Rock and its’ mission.

"I thought that'd be a very worthwhile cause and a great experience and help out with it if I could,” said Wolstenholme.

Joining the fire department provided him the opportunity to participate in the event, and hearing about Parksville Coun. Adam Fras's involvement last year was the final push he needed to commit to the ride.

While the physical aspect of the ride is daunting, the emotional journey holds equal significance for him. The Tour de Rock aims to raise funds for Camp Good Times, a retreat in Maple Ridge that provides children battling cancer and their siblings a chance to experience joy and normalcy amidst challenging times.

Wolstenholme shares his anticipation of visiting the camp, recognizing the importance of supporting not only the affected children but also their often-overlooked siblings.

"I'm kind of a softie when it comes to those heart-tugging things," said Wolstenholme, emphasizing his commitment to connecting with people affected by cancer and being a source of support.

The firefighter’s dedication to serving started in early 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, he successfully completed his training and became an integral part of the Parksville Fire Department.

A link to Wolstenholme’s Tour de Rock page can be found here.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Kate Pocock, the Emergency Program Coordinator for the City of Parksville.

The City of Parksville, Town of Qualicum Beach and the Regional District of Nanaimo all have their own individual Municipal Emergency Programs, with an official agreement in place that the three programs will work together as an Emergency Management Oceanside.

‘It's an official partnership between the emergency programs,’ says Pocock. ‘And we agree to share our resources and share our training so that we can increase the efficiency and the effectiveness of the emergency management in all three communities.’

Pocock said the number of partners involved in coordinating information during the closure of Highway number 4 during the wildfire recently was amazing.

‘When the detour route was established and the assessments began on that slope as to how long the highway was going to be closed, we had daily coordination calls. That was coordination calls hosted by the Province. BC Wildfire was in attendance as were upwards of 90 other participants on the line. We're talking Ministry of Transportation, Emergency Health Services. All of the local governments are affected by that road closure.’

Information and resources about emergency preparedness can be found at www.EmergencyOceanside.ca, which also contains a copy of the Hazard and Risk Vulnerability Assessment.

It is an assessment of all of the 53 hazards that could potentially affect our communities.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Laurent Brossoit to the podcast.

Brossoit was a member of the NHL’s Las Vegas Golden Knights who won the Stanley Cup this past NHL season.

The netminder says that he returns to Port Alberni each summer.

‘There's actually a hockey school called Prep Camp, I would go and help out with the camp and then see family. And in longer summers I'd go there for a couple weeks. In the shorter ones, like this summer, I'll probably just have time for a week. I still have lots of friends and family there and so it's still feels like home.’

In the offseason Brossoit a one-time Jet, signed with Winnipeg as an unrestricted free agent.

‘There's only one organization that I've only been in for three years and that was the one. To be honest, everyone gives it a bad rep, but we had a lot of good years in Winnipeg and resurrected my career and I feel appreciated there. And I've played some good hockey there and so I'm very excited to get back.’

Brossoit talks about his early career, as well as his goalie “DNA”.

‘My grandpa was a goalie. My three uncles were all goalies and my dad as well. It's safe to say it was bred into me. It's in my blood. And it wasn't forced on me or anything like that. I think their passion for it leaked into me. And then whenever I watched hockey, I always paid attention to the goalie. So, I always knew I was going to eventually be a goalie when I started playing.’

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Teresa Cooper who recently became the executive Director of the Parksville Downtown Business Association has a background working with nonprofits.

‘It's been almost 25 years of nonprofit work. Started with the Chamber of Commerce in Delta, did Hospital Foundation, Vancouver Aquarium, Gymnastics Center, and now Parksville Downtown,’ says Cooper.

‘Dance with me on Memorial’ is a music and dancing event that is being held the fourth Thursday of the month.

Cooper says, ‘For July, the theme is Salsa. So, you can come and do your cha-chas and rhumbas and all of that. And then the last one (In August) is ‘West Coast Swing’.

The PDBA has been talking with the City of Parksville about downtown revitalization, Cooper says the City of Parksville and the PDBA have the same vision.

‘We want excitement. We want life in Downtown, so we're working really closely together to define and map out how to move forward on that over the next couple of years.’

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Captain Sigmund Sort of Qualicum Beach, one of six Canadian Armed Forces members selected to be recognized in the House of Commons as part of this year's Canadian Armed Forces recognition program.

In addition to being a freelance flight instructor and a former commercial pilot, Sort has spent 25 years with the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Program in a variety of roles.

Sort and his colleagues were presented in the House of Commons.

“It was an incredible moment of awe and splendour, and yet I felt the weight of the responsibility of being the chosen to represent so many Canadians that do the great work that we see from time to time in the news,” said Sort.

‘I was a secondary school teacher for a lot of years before I was a pilot, so teaching Canadian history and the parliamentary system and all that sort of thing,” he said. “I'm used to seeing pictures of the Hill and those places of great meaning and import to running a nation, but to be singled out, to be presented in the House of Commons, that was really surreal.”

Sort spent two months flying volunteer flights shuttling passengers and cargo, when floods isolated communities in B.C., flying more than 10,000 kilometres and 49 missions.

On the podcast McCully asks Sort about his time as an RCAF trainer, the Air Cadet program and attending Remembrance Day ceremonies in Hawaii.

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There's a national exhibition being hosted in Parksville this summer.

A competition and workshops are being held by the Mosaic Artists of Canada. Jen Bate, the executive director of the McMillan Arts Center and Debra Hagen, a local mosaic artist who also teaches classes, join podcast host Peter McCully to chat about the event.

Mosaic artists will be using a wide array of textures, colors and materials ranging from traditional stone and smalti, (a glass tile) to less conventional items such as dishware, wood, and rusted metals.

Hagen says this is a juried exhibit.

‘We have three jurors, very well-known mosaic artists in their own right, Maray Swinn from Belgium, and Marion Shapiro from Australia, and Jason Dusalt, who's from Vancouver and New York. We had over 80 submissions from the artists. The three jurors also decided which ones would be in the show, so there's about 45 in the exhibit.’

Mosaic artists will also be hosting and managing a Community Mosaics project.

‘Visitors to the Mac can come in and see this great exhibition,’ says Bate. ‘Meet some of the artists, but they can also participate in creating what is going to be a wonderful mosaic piece that will ultimately be hung in our brand new community art garden outside the MAC.’

The exhibition runs July 1st to August the 27th at the MacMillan Arts Centre.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Tara Fitzgerald, a director of Mental Health and Substance for Island Health.

Island Health has recently created a new program to help those looking for assistance via telephone.

“We launched this line to act as a front door to all harm reduction and mental health substance use services across the region,” said Fitzgerald. “The line is answered by real humans at the other end of the call. So those call-takers who are answering the line help people navigate what services may be right for them and how to connect with these services.”

The new service is an information line, not to be confused with a crisis line. Those in crisis should call the Vancouver Island Crisis Line. The new service offers information and navigation support, and if someone in crisis does call, the call-takers will refer them directly to the crisis line.

Fitzgerald explained what type of information was available via the service.

‘People are able to access community specific information about harm reduction services, overdose prevention, addiction medicine - which could include opioid agonist therapy - prescribed safer supply or other medication options withdrawal management, treatment and recovery services,” said Fitzgerald. “So, the call-takers can answer a broad range of questions to provide information to people who are calling the line. Importantly, the call-takers are also able to refer directly to local mental health and substance use offices for people who are seeking clinical services and supports.”

The new program number is 1-888-885-8824.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Dr. Jasper Lament, CEO of the Nature Trust of BC to the podcast to talk about the preservation of 15 hectares of ecologically valuable habitat along the Little Qualicum River.

Lament says this is the first property that the Nature Trust BC has protected on the Little Qualicum River.

‘We've been conserving land across BC since 1971 and since the 1980’s we've been protecting lands along the nearby Englishman River. But this was our very first acquisition on the Little Qualicum River, so it attracted some people that we've never engaged with before, and we were just thrilled that the number of new supporters who came forward and the amount of excited members of the community who wanted to see this property protected for the natural values that it provides. We had hundreds of people come forward to support this project.’

The property is located in the Coastal Douglas Fir bio geomatic zone, a highly threatened species at risk, with only 11% of it in BC being conserved to date.

McCully asked Lament if there are there other properties in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area of interest to the Nature Trust.

‘We're always looking to expand our existing conservation land complexes, and especially in that Englishman River watershed area, which scores among the highest ecological values in the province. It's a really important area for biodiversity. It's a really high priority for the nature to be seen, so we're always talking to landowners to see if there's an opportunity to work together to protect their lands. This is our third project in last than two years in the Parksville Qualicum area and we've just been so excited about interest in land conservation there and we can't wait to tackle the next project.’

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Host Peter McCully welcomes David Field to the podcast to talk about the upcoming Show and Shine in Qualicum Beach.

The event is expected to top 625 vehicles registered for the Show, including two very special cars that will be on display, that will be attending by invitation.

Field says that there are a number of events associated with the Father’s Day weekend event, including a cruise night from Parksville to Qualicum Beach.

‘Friday night we host a cruise from the Parksville Community Park. Typically, this is open to anyone who wants to show up with their classic car or a car period. It doesn't have to be old. It can be a brand-new Corvette, for example. Or it can be anything you want to drive. We don't pick and choose who can show up. So, on average, we get four to 500 cars showing up.’

Proceeds from the Show and Shine are donated back to community groups. Over the years those have included the local Food Bank, the Qualicum Beach Stroke and Recovery, the SOS and Aerosmith Search and Rescue.

These are groups that are deserving of our help, and that's what our club is all about. We're basically like a service club. We run one event a year and we've been able to donate anywhere from 30 to $55,000 annually.’ says Field.

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Peter McCully chats with Former CBC producer Laura Palmer, who is the host of the podcast, ‘Island Crime.’

During the first four seasons Palmer has told stories that have included Lisa Marie Young's disappearance, a young woman from Nanaimo who was 21 when she vanished, Amber Manthorne of Port Alberni who went missing in 2022- and 4-year-old Michael Dunahee who went missing from a Victoria Playground.

‘When I first thought about Michael's story, I thought, what can I possibly bring to this story? It's more than 30 years old. This has been a huge story that's been widely covered. What can I bring to it? And then I started talking to people and realized that a tiny fraction of that story had only ever been told because you were talking to the same people all of the time,’ says Palmer. ‘But when I approached the story, I talked to everybody. So, when you get a chance to go into that kind of level of detail and research on a story, inevitably you find more, and I think that's true for every season that I've done so far.’

Season 5 of the podcast has recently been released, it explores the deaths of three people in Whiskey Creek, Halloween Night, 2020.

Palmer says she was approached by the mother of one of the victims who really felt that no one cared about her son dying in this tragic circumstance.

‘When you start talking to family members of victims, it immediately becomes a very different story. Initially when I read the reports, all you heard was two people had been identified and they had extensive criminal pasts. The police were saying nothing to worry about here. This is a targeted thing. There's no public danger. And I think for a lot of people that might be where it ends, but I'm hoping once they listen to the stories of the victims of Whiskey Creek, they might feel a little bit differently,’ says Palmer.

McCully asked Palmer if there are any island crime cases or topics that she is eager to explore in future podcasts.

‘I have a running list, and it's more than 50 cases right now that I would like to take on. This island, as beautiful as we know it is, has a lot of dark stories to tell and a lot of unsolved crimes and missing people. So, every season I try and approach something that's a little different.’

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Host Peter McCully welcomes the Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce’s new executive director, Amir Tabatabaei.

Tabatabaei has a 20-year background in business development, strategic sales and marketing and has been in the area since 2017 part-time and full-time as a resident since 2019.

The new executive director is busy out meeting members in their place of business.

‘I am here to be their advocate. That's what the Chamber's main role is. We are going to work closely with our business owners and build and strengthen the relationships within the community. Make the chamber closer to the membership,’ says Tabatabaei.

Future projects for the Chamber include plans to renovate the Visitor Centre.

‘We are going to move towards an online booking and payment system, which I think will free up the office. And therefore, modernize the chamber a little bit including the website and take advantage of the efficiencies that we have at our control. ‘

The Chamber’s ‘Summer by the Sea’ Market gets underway in June and will be returning to the Craig Street area.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Ross Peterson, the board chair, and Regan McKeever, the program manager.

Elder College began with a group of volunteers in Parksville and expanded to the VIU campus in Nanaimo

‘We promote Elder College for people who are 50 plus, but we do accept students who are slightly less than that, our oldest student is probably in her nineties,’ says Peterson.

Classes are offered both in person and through Zoom online classes.

McKeever says registration for fall classes will be during the summer months.

“We still have classes running right now all the way through till middle of June, and then at the end of June we will have registration start for our classes that we offer in the fall, which is September through December classes.’

A full lineup of classes and information for those who may be interested in teaching a course is available at: viu.ca/eldercollege.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Andrew Harris to the PQBeat podcast.

Harris started his football career playing for the Vancouver Island Raiders of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) in 2005. In 2006, 2008 and 2009 the Raiders won 3 National Championships.

McCully asked Harris how the experience shaped him as a player moving forward to the CFL.

‘Junior Nanaimo definitely was instrumental in my life as a man in my football career. My network, my overall friend group I have now, some of my best friends I have to date are guys I played junior throughout those five years. Ultimately, I think it was an amazing experience because we had guys from all over Canada coming to Nanaimo and we're all from different walks of life. We're all on that same path. ‘We had a really tight-knit group and the guys were really close and everyone became a brotherhood, became a family, and that was from the top to the bottom.’

Harris was drafted in the 2009 CFL Draft by the BC Lions, where he played from 2010 to 2015. During his time with the Lions, Harris established himself as one of the league's top running backs, earning three CFL All-Star honors and winning the Most Outstanding Canadian award in 2011.

Harris has announced this will be his final season as running back with the Toronto Argonauts as he looks forward to his new role with the VI Raiders.

Harris was asked what he hopes to bring to the team on the field and off.

‘The biggest thing for me is making sure that these young men that are coming to play for us. If it's one year or five years that they're leaving the team with a better head on their shoulders, a better vision, are they more confident in their lives, just better men in society. I want to make sure we're grooming well-rounded young men to attack their next stage of life and create amazing memories and experiences while they're here with us.’

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Christa Stone and Jack Whittles to the podcast, both members of the Parksville and District Rock and Gem Club.

Whittles is a geologist.

‘I often find a lot of incredible rocks with my work, and I work in the Haida Gwaii and Vancouver Island generally and some of my favorites have come from the Haida Gwaii in terms of just different Thunder Eggs and some of the Blue Jaspers and different varieties that you can find. But locally between Nanaimo, Parksville, Lake Cowichan and Port Alberni, there's an incredible array of amazing gemstones that I think most people aren't quite aware of yet. It's becoming more and more aware to the general public, but it's just amazing for me’.

Christa Stone says visitors to the show will see a various types of rock in various stages of being finished, jewelry and gemstones.

The pair have begun a YouTube page to try and educate and promote how valuable rocks can be.

‘Rocks are just as valuable as gold, silver, and even gemstones, they're not as popular as gold. What we're trying to get people to realize is rocks and semi-precious gemstones and everything have really good value. In fact, if you take a mine and you value out the gold and the silver and the copper and the mine and all the process that you have to do to get that gold and silver out and then you weigh all the rock and you sell the rock by weight, it's actually more money than the gold, silver and the copper’.

More information on the Parksville and District Rock and Gem Club can be found here and the WhittlesStone YouTube page can be found here.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Debbe Patterson, one of the founding members of the 100 Women Who Care ‘Oceanside’.

Dedicated to making a positive impact in their community, the group was founded in 2016 with the simple idea that 100 women could each donate $100 to a local charity, resulting in a $10,000 donation that could make a significant difference.

The process of selecting a charity to donate to is simple but effective. At each quarterly meeting, members nominate a local charity that they believe deserves the donation. Three charities are randomly selected from the nominations and the members vote on which charity to donate to.

‘I know that there's so many small organizations locally and they just don't have the people power or the fundraising abilities to raise a lot of money,’ says Patterson. ‘So, having this, having funds go to local groups is just huge for them. They don't have the ability to do what the larger organizations do.

100 Women Who Care has donated to a wide range of charities over the years, including organizations that support health care, education, the environment, and more. Some of the charities that have received donations include the Oceanside Hospice Society, the Society of Organized Services, and the Parksville-Qualicum Beach Community Foundation.

‘A hundred percent of my donation goes directly to that organization. We have a few, administrative costs, but they're all covered by our members who generously donate, to cover those costs for us,’ says Patterson.

The group has shown that by working together, even small donations can make a big difference in the lives of those in need.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Parksville Beach Festival Society President Cheryl Dill and entertainment director Lloyd Derry to the podcast.

Dill updated the amount of community donations that were distributed after last year’s Beachfest event.

‘We had great results at the gate. People were very generous. This past year, for the first time, we took donations electronically with the tip tap machine. So, it was a successful year, Peter, and we were able to give back $75,000 to the volunteer groups that staff the gates for us.’

The first annual ‘Rock the Park’ event was held in 2022 in addition to the Tim Horton’s Concert series with about 20,000 people attending concerts throughout the five-week period.

Lloyd Derry says the Summer concert series will be comprised of eight concerts every Friday and Saturday evenings starting July 20, as well as the main event in August.

‘The second annual ‘Rock the Park’ Music Fest from August 11th to 13th, is a tribute to old time rock and roll, classic rock and more. And man, we just have a stellar lineup this year, comprised mostly of world class tribute bands.’

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Mike Garland to the PQBeat Podcast. Garland was recently hired as the new executive Director of the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Garland talks about the business walk which is planned for April 11th, 12th and 13th. It is intended to allow one-on-one discussions with political representatives and business owners.

‘We're going to have some local councilors from Qualicum Beach getting a bit of a feedback from the actual owners. The next day, April12th, MLA Adam Walker will be coming around and he too will be visiting, and again, a different perspective looking at things that perhaps he can do from a provincial level. On the very final day, April 13th, we're going to have MP Gord Johns, so he too will be coming to visit with the owners.’

In a wide-ranging interview Garland talks about some of the events that will be back in full swing for the summer of 2023, as well as the need for volunteers for some seasonal events.

A portable kiosk is planned for the town to go to the visitors this coming summer, says Garland.

‘This portable kiosk will allow us to bring all sorts of literature, people with experience and stories right to those visitors who are visiting our downtown core’.

Garland also explains to podcast host Peter McCully, about the various benefits of being a chamber member.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Gord Johns to the PQBeat Podcast. Since 2015 he has been the Member of Parliament for Courtney Alberni.

The MP talks about Fish Farms, Island Rail and the Pharma Care Program.

Johns is the critic for Mental Health and substance use and talks about a bill which he tabled.

‘Last year, I spent the bulk of my year in between the House of Commons, and weekends traveling the country, listening to experts, hearing from everyone, from police chiefs to medical health experts about how to respond to the crisis. And tabled legislation to respond to the expert task force on substance use, which just reflected that. Sadly, it was defeated by both Conservatives and Liberals.’

Johns also comments on Reconciliation and offers his thoughts on how to get more people to the polls at election time.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Dan King, a video producer of YouTube Adventures that highlight Parksville Qualicum Beach and Vancouver Island. Among other things, Dan will be partnering with various groups to livestream events from around the PQB area.

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Host Peter McCully chats with Sean McCann, ‘The Shanty Man’, one of the founding members of Great Big Sea, the Newfoundland folk rock band that toured the world for 20 years.

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Hoist Peter McCully welcomes Illana Hester, the executive director of TOSH, the Old School House Arts Center in Qualicum Beach, discussing programs and events for Spring 2023.

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Host Peter McCully talks with Evelyn Clark the Executive Director of the Central Island Division of Family Practice and Dr. Mark Morris, board member and family physician about the organization and current healthcare issues.

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Host Peter McCully chats with Susanna Newton, the Executive Director of the SOS, the Society of Organized Services. Topics include a look at the numbers of families helped from the Tigh Na Mara Toy Drive, increased demand in those looking for help due to affordability issues and the SOS’s 55th Anniversary this year.

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On this edition of PQBeat, Lorraine Bell, the Manager of the Qualicum Beach Museum chats with host Peter McCully about upcoming events and exhibits.

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Host Peter McCully chats with Parksville and Qualicum Beach Chambers of Commerce CEO Kim Burden, about upcoming events and affordability issues.

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On this edition of PQBeat, Jennifer Bate, the Executive Director of the McMillan Arts Centre, chats with host Peter McCully about upcoming events.

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Host Peter McCully talks about Seedy Saturday in Qualicum Beach with the longtime chair of the Seedy Saturday Committee, Sue Putz.

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Philip Wolf, editor of the Vancouver Island Daily and PQB News chats with MLA Adam Walker to look back on the year and to look ahead to 2023 from his own perspective.

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Philip Wolf, editor of The PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily chats with the Mayor of Parksville, Doug O'Brien to look back on 2022 and look forward to 2023.

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Vanessa Craig, Chair of the RDN joins Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily to look back at the year and ahead to 2023 as well.

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Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily chats with School District 69 Superintendent of schools, Peter Jory.

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Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily speaks with Parksville Fire Chief Mark Norris. On November 9th, a massive nighttime fire destroyed six businesses in the Parksville Heritage Center.

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Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily talks with Tigh Na Mara general manager Paul Drummond and SOS executive director Susanna Newton about the 2022 Tigh Na Mara Toy Drive.

All donations will benefit the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program, providing gifts for PQB children and youth, as well as grocery store gift cards for low-income families and individuals.

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The Parksville and District Rock and Gem Club’s fourth annual show takes place Nov. 19 at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre (747 Jones St.). The club’s big event will feature an array of gem and jewelry vendors, rock hounds, mineralogists and geologists. Longtime club member, Doug Shewan, talks with Philip Wolf.

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Philip Wolf, editor of The PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily chats with two longtime great grid iron coaches, a father and son duo, Joe and Chris Martino who have just released a book about the growth of football in Parksville - entitled ‘It Takes a Posse’.

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Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily chats with mixed media artist, Ina-Griet Raatz-von-Hirschhausen.

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Jane Waite joins Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily. The 55+ BC games were held recently in Greater Victoria and Waite brought home five gold medals. Waite also talks about the need for a refurbished running track in Parksville.

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Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily, chats with Parksville's Al Fortune, running his first marathon since being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Fortune will take part in the TCS New York City Marathon on Nov. 6.

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On this special edition of PQBeat we listen into the Parksville city council candidates and two mayoralty candidates vying for votes presenting their views on three major issues during an all-candidates forum at winchelsea place October 4

Ed Mayne (incumbent) and Doug O’Brien, current councillor, have put their names forward for mayor of Parksville in the Oct. 15 municipal election.

The councillor candidates are Karin Badel, Frank Bailey, Mary Beil, Lucky Butterworth, Adam Fras (incumbent), Amit Gaur, Joel Grenz, Mike Kelly, Jeet Mann, Sylvia Martin, Paula Miles, Teresa Patterson (incumbent), Michael Pedersen, Marilyn Wilson (incumbent) and Sean Wood. They will compete for six councillor positions.

The host was Jean Maltsen.

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Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily, chats with the new artistic director. of the Oceanside Classical Concert Concert Society, Dr. Calvin Dyck as they gear up for their 8th year presenting classical music concerts at Knox United Church in Parksville.

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On this special edition of PQBeat we listen in to the Twelve candidates for Qualicum Beach mayor and council who were on hand to share their ideas for the town’s future at an all-candidates forum on Sept. 27.

The forum, sponsored by the Eaglecrest Residents Association and hosted by Michael Garland, was held at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.

Mayoral candidates Brian Wiese and Teunis Westbroek, plus council candidates Stanley Beech, Robert Filmer, Scott Harrison, Peter Kent, Doreen Mackay-Dunn, John C. Phillips, Anne Skipsey, Petronella Vander Valk, Dave Willie and Jean Young were in attendance.

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On this special edition of PQBeat we listen into the Fourteen Parksville city council candidates and two mayoralty candidates vying for votes presenting their views on three major issues during an all-candidates forum at Knox United Church on Sept. 26.

Ed Mayne (incumbent) and Doug O’Brien, current councillor, have put their names forward for mayor of Parksville in the Oct. 15 municipal election.

The councillor candidates are Karin Badel, Frank Bailey, Mary Beil, Lucky Butterworth, Adam Fras (incumbent), Amit Gaur, Joel Grenz, Mike Kelly, Jeet Mann, Sylvia Martin, Paula Miles, Teresa Patterson (incumbent), Michael Pedersen, Marilyn Wilson (incumbent) and Sean Wood. They will compete for six councillor positions.

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Eric Brunt of Victoria is now in his fourth year of documenting the 'untold' stories from Canada’s remaining Second World War veterans.

In early 2018, he took off on a cross-Canada tour in a van-turned-mobile film studio, with the sole goal of preserving as many of those stories as possible.

Since then, he’s spoken with 433 veterans and partnered with Melki Films production house to preserve each one-on-one interview at the Canadian War Museum.

In this edition of Today in B.C., Brunt tells host Peter McCully about travelling to Juno Beach in France for the 75th anniversary of D-Day with Frank Krepps, at the time a 94-year-old veteran from Red Deer, Alta.

He’s giving himself until the end of the year to connect with any remaining veterans who want to share their stories as he travels across the country.

The Eric Brunt Collection will be released in 2024 when the Canadian War Museum launches its digital archives.

Anyone hoping to share their story can reach Brunt at ericbruntmedia@gmail.com.

Eric Brunt poses with Second World War veteran Frank Krepps. (Photo courtesy of Melki Films)

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Vince Ditrich, former drummer for Spirit of the west, turned author, among other things, joins Host Peter McCully. Ditrich talks about his second book in the Vicar series, The Vicars Knickers, named after the pub, which was opened by the title character, Tony Vicar.

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The annual Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock event is just around the corner. Phillip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily, chats with Board Member Anissa Rak to talk about the event and in particular what's happening in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area.

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Darrell Fox was just 17 when he joined his older brother Terry on his run across Canada on his Marathon of Hope. He talks with host Peter McCully about being on the road with Terry, the amazing legacy of more than 40 years of support by Canadians and the Terry Fox Foundation and Research Institute.

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Host Peter McCully welcomes Randy and Kim Longmuir. who after an incredible run lasting more than 40 years, have decided to hang up the whistles and clipboards after storied careers. The Longmuirs talk about those careers, plus the future of track and field in Parksville Qualicum Beach.

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Host Peter McCully chats with a member of Team Canada during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Parksville's Alycia Butterworth. The two discuss Alycia's training and competing, as well as ongoing efforts to replace the dilapidated track at Ballenas Secondary and longtime coaches Randy and Kim Longmuir deciding to hang up their whistles and clipboards after storied careers.

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Host Peter McCully, chats with retired teacher and an amateur avian photojournalist dedicated to increasing public awareness of birds on Vancouver Island, Mike Yip.

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The Oceanside Generals are gearing up for another Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League season after a tremendous year in 2021-22. Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily welcomes the team's general manager, Rick Hannibal.

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The municipal elections for 2022 are right around the corner. One Qualicum Beach councilor has announced he won't be running again. Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily discusses that decision with Robert Filmer.

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Parksville's former Canadian, North American and World Figure Skating Champ is back in British Columbia after spending the last three years coaching hockey players in Finland. Host Peter McCully chats with Victor Kratz.

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Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily chats with a long-time firefighter who in 2021 became the chief of the Qualicum Beach Fire Department, Peter Cornell.

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Over the past five years, the Qualicum Beach Museum has undergone quite a revitalization. Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily welcomes back the manager of the QB Museum Netanja Waddell to talk about that, the importance of curating a community's history, and her own impending retirement plans.

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Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily. chats with Molly Hamilton, a member of the Arbutus Toastmasters Club in Parksville. She recently won the region One Toastmasters International Speech Competition and is headed to Nashville in mid August, having a chance to become the world champion of public speaking.

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Brandon Nicholl of Coombs, chats with Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News, and Vancouver Island daily after a successful first freshman year with the Southern Arkansas Mule Riders in NCAA Division Two competition.

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The art scene in Parksville Qualicum Beach is once again hopping as the community emerges from the Covid 19 pandemic. The executive director of the McMillan Arts Center in Parksville, Jennifer Bate updates Philip Wolf, Editor of the PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily.

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New President of the PDBA, Tami Frankford chats with Philip Wolf, Editor of the PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily about some of their initiatives.

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Qualicum First Nations Chief Michael Recalma, who underwent a kidney transplant with the donation coming from Qualicum Beach Town Counselor Scott Harrison, chats with Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and the Vancouver Island Daily - to talk about that procedure and update his progress.

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Host Peter McCully chats with the new leader of the Oceanside RCMP detachment, Staff Sgt. Travis De Coene.

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Joanne Sales, the executive director of the Broom Buster's invasive plant society, chats with Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and the VI Daily - about all things broom.

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Parksville has a new Community Center facility, the President of the Parksville Community Center Society, Duane Round talks with Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and the VI Daily.

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Lloyd Derry and Cheryl Dill of the Parksville Beach Festival Society, talk with PQB News and VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf about their plans for this summers event.

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Renovations are well underway at the PCC building to accommodate the Parksville Child and Family Center to be operated by the BGC Central Vancouver Island. Renovations are expected to be complete in June and the facility open for summer children's programs. Kaen Love, the executive director for BGCCVI, chats with Philip Wolf, Editor of the PQB News and the VI Daily, about the plans of the organization.

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On May 2, 2021, Arrowsmith Search and Rescue had a call out to rescue an injured hiker with multiple injuries. She was stabilized and extracted by helicopter. Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily talks with Parksville resident Maureen LaFleche who was rescued, and Nick Rivers, ASAR Search Manager.

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The Quality Foods Oceanside Generals recently wrapped up a very successful Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League season, reaching the League final before falling to the Peninsula Panthers. Joining PQB News and VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf to talk about the season and the Generals program as a whole, is head coach Dan Lemmon.

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Philip Wolf, editor of the PQB News and Vancouver Island Daily talks with Qualicum Beach Councilor Scott Harrison as he shares his remarkable tale of selflessness having donated a kidney to another man.

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As covid 19 restrictions lift around the province, things are slowly returning to a sense of normalcy for businesses and community groups. Philip Wolf, editor of the PQBNews and the VI Daily, talks about how things are rebounding in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area with Kim Burden the executive director of the Parksville and Qualicum Beach Chambers of Commerce.

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Black Press NFL expert Erin Haluschak talks with Philip Wolf about a turbulent off-season so far for the Seattle Seahawks, looks ahead to the coming draft and discusses potential rule changes for 2022.

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Daily safety is always an important issue for residents in Parksville Qualicum Beach, chatting safety on the roads with PQB News and VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf is the program administrator with Oceanside Community Safety Volunteers, Mike Garland.

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Joining Philip Wolf, Editor of the PQB News and the VI Daily to talk about cars as well as community and charity work is Dave Field a member of the Seaside Cruisers Car Club.

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Fitness is an important part of our lives, especially as we get older. Joining VI Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf is Ed Ferguson, somewhat of an athletic Marvel himself, winning weightlifting competitions and traveling the world well into his 80s.

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Shari Ulrich plays everything with strings and sings like a bird, and has a knack for a attracting great musical partners, Barney Bentall and Tom Taylor just to name a few. She talks about finding her son Mike McGee and more, joining Host Peter McCully in studio.

(By the Grace of Goodbye - Ulrich)

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Peter Kent of Qualicum Beach was a stunt double for Arnold Schwarzenegger for 15 years. As you can imagine, he was tossed around, run over, and beat up - a lot. He talks with Host Peter McCully about his adventures as a stunt man, life with Arnold, and life after Arnold.

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Host Peter McCully chats with Kenna Deo of Nanaimo, a recent winner in the Wall of Chefs competition for Home Cooks on the Food Network.

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Illana Hester, executive director of the Old School House Arts Centre in Qualicum Beach, chats with PQB News and VI Daily Editor, Philip Wolf.

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Black Press NFL expert Erin Haluschak and VI Daily / PQB News editor Philip Wolf break down Sunday's Super Bowl matchup between the L.A. Rams and Cincinnati Bengals. Discussion also includes a look at the off-season for the Seattle Seahawks, Tom Brady's retirement and more.

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Sergeant Shane Worth, Operations Support NCO for the Oceanside RCMP Detachment chats with PQBNews and VI Daily Editor, Philip Wolf.

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The President of OHEARTS, the Oceanside Homelessness Ecumenical Advocacy Response Team Society, Sherry Thompson talks with Philip Wolf Editor of the VI Daily and the PQB News about the issue of cold weather shelters.

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Gurdeep Pandher, a Bhangra dancer and a social media sensation whose dance videos have been watched more than 50 million times from various platforms, joins PQB News Publisher Peter McCully in conversation.

https://www.pqbnews.com/news/social-media-sensation-gurdeep-pandher-of-the-yukon-shares-joy-love-in-parksville/

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Peter Jory Superintendent of SD69 talks with PQB News and VI Daily Editor, Philip Wolf about school resuming as the post holiday break presents a series of unique challenges, as well as look ahead to more of 2022.

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Erin Haluschak, Black Press reporter and NFL insider, joins VI Daily and PQB News editor Philip Wolf to discuss wildcard weekend in the NFL and looks back on the season for the Seattle Seahawks.

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The housing market is top of mind with rising prices and the news of the latest B.C. Assessment figures. The 2021 President of the Vancouver Island Real Estate board - Ian MacKay, chats with the Editor of the Vancouver Island Daily and the PQB News, Philip Wolf.

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Ken Peters and Ken Neden of Arrowsmith Search and Rescue chat with PQB News and VI Daily Editor, Philip Wolf.

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PQBNews and VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf chats with Qualicum Beach's Mayor, Brian Wiese.

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PQBNews and VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf chats with Parksville's Mayor, Ed Mayne.

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PQB News and VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf chats with Parksville Qualicum MLA Adam Walker.

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Aaron Dawson, emergency program co-ordinator for the City of Parksville, talks with PQBNews and VI Daily editor Philip Wolf about efforts in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area to help with residents displaced during recent flooding, as well as updates on continuing EMO programs.

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PQB News Publisher Peter McCully chats with the chairman of Ducks Unlimited, Oceanside chapter - Darin Brown, about managing wetlands and associated habitats in the PQB area.

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Mitchel Cook of Nanoose recently challenged the Guinness World Record for most Burpees in an hour and joins VI Daily and PQB News Editor, Philip Wolf to discuss the attempt.

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Erin Haluschak, football fan and Black Press Reporter joins VI Daily and PQB News Editor, Philip Wolf to discuss the mid season mark of the NFL Season.

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Bonnie Brown of the Salvation Army chats with VI Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf about the upcoming Christmas Kettle Campaign and the Salvation Army Community Food Bank.

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The Superintendent of School District 69 in conversation with Philip Wolf, Editor of the Vancouver Island Daily and the Parksville Qualicum Beach News.

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Roy Grekowski of the Arrowsmith Cycling Club chats with VI Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf, about the club and it's activities.

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Tigh-Na-Mara General Manager Paul Drummond and SOS Executive Director Susanna Newton chat with VI Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf about this year's modified version of the Toy Drive, with three ways for the public to take part and help make Christmas brighter for local residents in need. All donations will benefit the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program, providing gifts for local children and youth, as well as grocery store gift cards for low income families and individuals.

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Rotary assistant governor Lynne Pearson chats with VI Daily and PQB News editor Philip Wolf, updating the activities of the Parksville and two Qualicum Beach Rotary Clubs.

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John McKinley of the VI Daily and the Black Press Media digital team joins Philip Wolf, editor of the VI Daily and PQB News to chat about the 2021-22 NHL season. Talk includes the Vancouver Canucks, projected division and individual award winners, player health and whether the Tampa Bay Lightning can threepeat as Stanley Cup champs

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Len Townsend, Chair of the PQ Foundation chats with PQB News and VI Daily Publisher Peter McCully, about PQ Foundation grants, bursaries and more.

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Aaron Dawson and Rob Daman chat with VI Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf, about Emergency Management Oceanside.

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Vince Ditrich, former drummer with Spirit of the West, now turned author, chats with PQB News and VI Daily Publisher Peter McCully.

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VI Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf chats with Paul Watson, the President of the Oceanside Running Club. (ORCA

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VI Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf chats with the Mayor of Qualicum Beach, Brian Wiese.

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Erin Haluschak, football fan and Black Press Reporter joins VI Daily and PQB News Editor, Philip Wolf to preview the upcoming NFL Season.

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PQBNews and VI Daily Publisher Peter McCully chats with Parksville's Mayor, Ed Mayne.

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VI Daily and PQB News Publisher Peter McCully chats with the President of the Parksville Museum, Mary Ellen Campbell about the early families of Parksville.

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VI Daily and PQB News Publisher Peter McCully chats with Folk Music Icon, Valdy, who also plays a few tunes - in studio.

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PQB News and VI Daily Publisher Peter McCully chats with Jennifer Bate the Executive Director of the MacMillan Arts Center in Parksville.

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PQB News Publisher Peter McCully chats with Bhangra Dancer and social media sensation, Gurdeep Pandher.

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Publisher Peter McCully chats with Willow Bloomquist from the Dashwood Volunteeer Fire Department, about wild fire season and the Fire Smart BC Program.

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Vi Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf and Publisher Peter McCully chat with Black Press photographer and videographer Arnold Lim from Tokyo, who is a photography manager at the Summer Olympics.

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VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf chats with VI Health Officer Dr. Mike Benusic about C-19 vaccines and a return to normalcy.

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Chef Thea Vanherwaarden of Comox chats with VI Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf about her two runner up finishes on Master Chef Canada.

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Local Golf Commentator Bill Flower chats with VI Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf.

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Editor Philip Wolf chats with Michael Garland of the Oceanside Safety Community Volunteer Association.

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Blain Sepos, the Executive Director of the Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association chats with PQB News and VI Daily Editor, Philip Wolf.

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Sports AdministratorJohn Furlong, who oversaw the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and who is part of a group organizing a bid for the 2030 Games - that would see various sports held across Vancouver Island, chats with Philip Wolf, Editor of the PQB News and the VI Daily.

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The Parksville Downtown Business Association marks its 15th anniversary this month. Editor of the PQB News and the VI Daily, Philip Wolf chats about the future of the organization and the businesses in the city, with Pam Bottomley, the Executive Director and Sandy Herle President.

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VI Free Daily / PQB News editor Philip Wolf chats with Medical Health Officer for Central Vancouver Island, Dr. Sandra Allison.

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Brian Collicot, co-ordinator of a non-profit agency program run by Oceanside Building Learning Together called the Technology Learning Centre, talks with PQB News/VI Free Daily editor Philip Wolf about digital literacy, assistance for seniors and more.

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VIU honour student Tagen Marshall chats with PQB News/VI Free Daily editor Philip Wolf about advocacy, fundraising, meeting Rick Hansen and more.

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Bonnie Brown of the Salvation Army, updates PQB News Editor Philip Wolf about the local Food Bank, and an event "Bowl of Hope - To Go" being held as a fundraiser for Soup Kitchen equipment.

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Black Press reporter Erin Haluschak talks with VI Free Daily/PQB News editor Philip Wolf about missing persons on Vancouver Island, women in media and the NFL.

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The Qualicum Beach Residents’ Association hosted an all-candidates meeting via Zoom on May 1, as five hopefuls aim for one vacant spot on town council. Rev. Philip Spencer moderated the meeting. The candidates are (in alphabetical order) Brian Denbigh, Sarah Duncan, Peter Kent, Anne Skipsey and Jean Young.

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Susanna Newton (SOS Executive Director) and Don Dempson (Project Rebuild Campaign Chair) chat with PQB News and VI Free Daily Ediitor, Philip Wolf.

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The Eaglecrest Residents’ Association hosted a virtual all-candidates meeting for the five hopefuls in the May 15 byelection for a vacant councillor position in Qualicum Beach. The event took place via Zoom on Tuesday, April 27. The five people running are Brian Denbigh, Sarah Duncan, Peter Kent, Anne Skipsey and Jean Young. They are vying to take the position left by Adam Walker, who became the MLA for Parksville-Qualicum.

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Editor Philip Wolf chats with Bernie Pascall, former play by play announcer for the CFL, numerous Olympic Games, World Hockey Championships and the Vancouver Canucks, aboiut his induction into the CFL Hall of Fame, media wing.

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Cheryl Dill, ED of the Career Centre and President of the Parksville Beachfest Society, chats with PQB News Publisher Peter McCully and Editor Philip Wolf, about the local job market and the Sandcastle Competitions.

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Restaurant owners Oura and Kymon Giakoumakis talk with VI Free Daily/PQB News editor Philip Wolf about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Earl Blacklock, Therapeutic Counsellor chats with VI Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf.

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Publisher Peter McCully and Editor Philip Wolf chat with digital literacy and internet security expert Dan LaRocque on this edition of PQBeat.

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Dorothee Kieser, The President of the Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association chats with VI Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf about all things gardening.

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Jennifer Bate, The Executive Director of the McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville chats with VI Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf, and Publisher Peter McCully.

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PQB News and VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf chats with Mike Garland of the Oceanside Community Track Fundraising Committee.

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VI Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf chats with Mary Ellen Campbell of the Parksville Heritage Museum. including plans for upcoming events in 2021.

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Chris Herbert, a wine columnist for the PQB News chats with VI Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf, and Publisher Peter McCully.

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Debbe Patterson, a founding member of 100 Women Who Care Oceanside, chats with VI Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf. Since inception the group has donated $325K to local charities.

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PQBNews Reporter Mandy Moraes and Editor Philip Wolf chat with Illana Hester, Executive Director of the Old School House Arts Centre in Qualicum Beach.

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Ken Schley talks with Publisher Peter McCully and Editor Philip Wolf about owning the iconic SS Minnow and Dawn Wells who played Mary Anne on "Gilligan's Island.

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Cpl. Jesse Foreman, the Operational Support NCO at the Oceanside RCMP detachment chats with VI Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf.

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The Executive Director of the Parksville and District and Qualicum Beach Chambers of Commerce, Kim Burden chats with PQB News and VI Daily Editor, Philip Wolf .

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PQB News, and VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf and Publisher Peter McCully chat with Terry David Mulligan of Nanoose, who has been described as "Canada's hardest working DJ".

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PQB News and VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf Chats with Nick Rivers and Ken Neden of Arrowsmith Search & Rescue about the recent rescue at Little Qualicum Falls and their efforts to fundraise for a new building.

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Qualicum Beach Mayor Brian Wiese chats with VI Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf.

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Editor of the VI Daily and the PQB News, Philip Wolf - chats with Parksville's Mayor Ed Mayne.

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An original holiday story for 2020, produced by the Echo Players - "A visit from St. Nicholas."

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PQB News Reporter Mandy Moraes and Publisher Peter McCully chat with voice and character actor Kerry Campbell of Echo Players, who also previews a new original holiday story - produced as a podcast by the troupe.

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VI Free Daily / PQB News editor Philip Wolf chats with Medical Health Officer for Vancouver Island, Dr. Sandra Allison.

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PQB News Reporter Mandy Moraes chats with Mick Sherlock of the Oceanside Folk Roots Club.

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PQB News and VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf chats with Parksville Qualicum MLA Elect Adam Walker.

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VI Daily and PQB News Editor Philip Wolf chats with Bernie Pascall as he remembers his friend and broadcast colleague Howie Meeker.

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PQB News and VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf chats with Dan Smith, CIAU Hall of Fame QB, and coach of the Ballenas Whalers Football team.

PQB News and VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf, chats with Sgt. Stephen Rose of the Oceanside detachment of the RCMP.

Editor Philip Wolf and Publisher Peter McCully, chat about Halloween traditions new and old.

PQB News and VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf and Publisher Peter McCully chat with Jennifer Bate, Executive Director of the MacMillan Arts Centre.

Editor Philip Wolf chats with John McKinley, senior writer and content editor for the Vancouver Island Free Daily about the 2020 BC Provincial Election.

PQB News and VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf chats with Rob Jonas, President of PGOSA, the Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association.

VI Free Daily / PQB News editor Philip Wolf chats with Medical Health Officer for Vancouver Island, Dr. Mike Benusic.

PQB News and VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf and Publisher Peter McCully talk television.

PQB News and VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf and Publisher Peter McCully chat about school days, then and now.

PQB News & VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf chats with Dr. Keven Elder, Superintendent of Schools for District 69.

PQB News Editor Philip Wolf and Publisher Peter McCully chat with Marc Norris, Chief of the Parksville and Qualicum Beach Fire Departments.

PQB News and VI Free Daily Editor Philip Wolf chats with Music Promoter Doug Pickard of the Ground Zero Acoustic Lounge.

PQB News and VI Daily Editor Philip Wolf and PQB News Publisher Peter McCully chat with Dave Graham, show recently retired from a long career in broadcasting.

Featuring a conversation about “Supporting Local”, the participants are Parksville Mayor Ed Mayne, Parksville Qualicum MLA, Michele Stilwell, and Executive Director of the Parksville and Qualicum Beach Chambers of Commerce, Kim Burden.

Editor Philip Wolf and Publisher Peter McCully chat with Joan LeMoine, who was presented with the key to the City on her 90th birthday.

VI Daily / PQB News Editor Philip Wolf and VID Senior Writer and Content Editor John McKinley give us their preview of the play-in round as the NHL prepares to begin its Stanley Cup playoffs, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Editor Philip Wolf chats with Qualicum Beach Mayor, Brian Wiese.

Editor Philip Wolf and Publisher Peter McCully chat with Parksville Mayor Ed Mayne.

Publisher Peter McCully chats with Fire Chief Nick Acciavatti of the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department.

Editor Philip Wolf and Publisher Peter McCully chat with Bill Flower, who has been involved in the sport of golf for more than 50 years.

Editor Philip Wolf chats with John McKinley, senior writer and content editor for the Vancouver Island Free Daily about COVID-19 news coverage.

Editor Philip Wolf and Publisher Peter McCully chat with Phil Dwyer of Qualicum Beach, award winning Jazz Musician and member of the Order of Canada.

Editor Philip Wolf chats with Professional Goaltender and Qualicum Beach Native, Connor LaCouvee.

Editor Philip Wolf and Publisher Peter McCully chat with Bernie Pascall, former play by play announcer for numerous Olympic Games, World Hockey Championships and the Vancouver Canucks.

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Editor Philip Wolf and Peter McCully Chat ask the question, if you were marooned on a desert island, what 3 albums would you take with you? The pair tackle genres, concerts and more.

Editor Philip Wolf and Publisher Peter McCully chat with SOS Executive Director Susanna Newton.

Editor Philip Wolf and Publisher Peter McCully chat about their top 3 hockey players of all time and other favorites.

Publisher Peter McCully and Editor Philip Wolf discuss one sweet topic, their all time favorite "Top 3" chocolate bars.

Peter McCully, Publisher and Philip Wolf, Editor chat about cars! Their first cars, worst cars, dream cars.

Editor Philip Wolf chats with Gord Johns, MP for Courtenay Alberni.

Reporter Cloe Logan chats with Superintendent of Schools for SD69, Keven Elder.

PQB News Journalist Cloe Logan chats with the Manager of the Qualicum Beach Museum, Netanja Waddell.

PQB News Journalist Emily Vance chats with the Executive Director of TOSH (The Old Schoolhouse Arts Centre)Illana Hester.

Publisher Peter McCully and Editor Philip Wolf chat with Parksville Qualicum MLA Michele Stilwell.

Editor Philip Wolf and Journalist Emily Vance chat with Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director, Kim Burden.

Editor Philip Wolf and Journalist Cloe Logan chat with Brian Wiese, Mayor of Qualicum Beach.

Editor Philip Wolf and Journalist Emily Vance, chat with Parksville Mayor Ed Mayne.