PQBeat

Host Peter McCully welcomes Oceanside Generals general manager Rick Hannibal to the podcast. Hannibal talks about several changes for the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League team this year, including the loss of many key players in the off-season. “We lost 17 players,” he said. “(Some are) aging out, we traded one player away, four or five of them went up north to go and work to get on with their life - and some guys we've promoted up to Junior A.” The team GM says he’s been out scouting talent as far away as Las Vegas. “We had a year-end banquet on the 19th of April,” said Hannibal. “And two days later, I was in a rink in Duncan. And then a week later I was in Vancouver. And the two weeks after that I was in Calgary. And a month after that, I was in Las Vegas recruiting down there.” With the league’s change to Junior A status, the team we will having a new dressing room built at Oceanside Place. “We also have a new sound booth that we've put in there, it's a lot more room,” said Hannibal. “A lot more private for when our announcer is announcing the games and when our play-by-play guy is calling the game. It makes it a lot more professional that way.” On the podcast Hannibal talks about billeting players, the teams’ fan support and championship rings presented to players from the 2022-23 squad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.” The PQB News podcast PQBeat can be found here.  You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart, Amazon or the Podcast App on your iPhone). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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’. You will find the podcast here. The PQB News podcast PQBeat can be found here.  You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart, Amazon or the Podcast App on your iPhone).    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. You can search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart, Amazon or the Podcast App on your iPhone). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.” You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart, Amazon or the Podcast App on your iPhone). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart, Amazon or the Podcast App on your iPhone).    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.   You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart, Amazon or the Podcast App on your iPhone). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. You can also find ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart, Amazon or the Podcast App on your iPhone). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. You can also find ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart, Amazon or the Podcast App on your iPhone).   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. You will find more podcasts here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart, Amazon or the Podcast App on your iPhone). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.’ The PQB News podcast PQBeat can be found here.  You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart, Amazon or the Podcast App on your iPhone).   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.’ You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart, Amazon or the Podcast App on your iPhone). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart, Amazon or the Podcast App on your iPhone).    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. You will find more podcasts here. You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart and Amazon.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. The PQB News podcast PQBeat can be found here.  You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart, Amazon or the Podcast App on your iPhone). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Trust of B.C., 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.’ You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart, Amazon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart, Amazon or the Podcast App on your iPhone).   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.’See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.