PQBeat

Host Peter McCully welcomes Rob Duncan, vice chairman of the Parksville Qualicum Foundation; 2024 marks the foundation's 25th anniversary. Duncan sheds light on the impact of these grants on diverse organizations, ranging from the Society of Organized Services to emergency response organizations, support for hospices, educational initiatives and community engagement projects, emphasizing the local nature of the foundation's efforts. "During the past 25 years, the total amount of grants and scholarships distributed by the foundation is $1.8 million,” said Duncan. “This represents all the funds we manage for both the foundation and for others.The idea is that all of the money raised in the community stays in the community." The podcast offers a comprehensive overview of the foundation's mission and impact. The conversation also highlights the Neighborhood Grants program, promoting community building with grants of up to $500 for individual projects. Duncan encourages individuals to apply for initiatives that enhance social connections and skills sharing, fostering a sense of community belonging. The Parksville Qualicum Community Foundation's role as an umbrella for various funds and scholarships is explained, offering contributors flexibility in directing their donations. More information can be found at: ParksvilleQualicumFoundation.com, for more information on grants, donations and the 25th anniversary celebrations. The PQB News podcast PQBeat can be found here [https://omny.fm/shows/pqbeat-1/playlists/podcast].  You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub21ueWNvbnRlbnQuY29tL2QvcGxheWxpc3QvMTk2YTZiYjQtY2UyMS00MjI5LThlZTUtYWRjNjAwYmFlNGFiLzRkZDc4OTkwLTM0MDUtNDM1Zi1iOGM4LWFlNTMwMTY4ZjRiOC80MjU4MTJjYy05ZWM3LTQ3NTUtYTk1YS1hZTUzMDE2OGY0ZDkvcG9kY2FzdC5yc3M], iTunes [https://www.apple.com/ca/itunes/], iHeart [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1300-pqbeat-94168424/], Amazon [https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/7ead5063-a264-40b5-bda7-9b8cfbbbdff5/pqbeat] or the Podcast App [https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/apple-podcasts/id525463029] on your iPhone).    See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Host Peter McCully welcomes Jen Bate, the director of the MacMillan Arts Centre, to the PQBeat podcast. Bate reflects on the success of hosting Canada's National Mosaic conference. "We welcomed probably 11,000 people to the MAC this summer,” she said. “We drew visitors from all over. We had a wonderful opening cocktail with mosaic artists from all over the country and then proceeded with what was a significant exhibit in the area for mosaics artists and fans out there." Looking ahead, Bate explains that for BC Culture Days 2024, Parksville has been chosen as the opening city for the province, promising a spectacular celebration of arts and culture. "Not only are we going to run some great programs that we have done every year but we are going to be the kickoff city for the province." The episode also touches on the collaboration with the Beach Festival Society, highlighting the anticipation for Rock the Park Festival with a lineup featuring iconic bands and plans for a Route 19A Music Festival in September, showcasing a diverse range of music in various venues. Bate provides a sneak peek into upcoming Mac School spring classes, offering a range of artistic experiences from block printing to mosaic workshops and shares the story of the Mac Community Garden, a 4,500-square-foot experimental space promoting conversation and education about food security. The PQB News podcast PQBeat can be found here [https://omny.fm/shows/pqbeat-1/playlists/podcast].  You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub21ueWNvbnRlbnQuY29tL2QvcGxheWxpc3QvMTk2YTZiYjQtY2UyMS00MjI5LThlZTUtYWRjNjAwYmFlNGFiLzRkZDc4OTkwLTM0MDUtNDM1Zi1iOGM4LWFlNTMwMTY4ZjRiOC80MjU4MTJjYy05ZWM3LTQ3NTUtYTk1YS1hZTUzMDE2OGY0ZDkvcG9kY2FzdC5yc3M], iTunes [https://www.apple.com/ca/itunes/], iHeart [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1300-pqbeat-94168424/], Amazon [https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/7ead5063-a264-40b5-bda7-9b8cfbbbdff5/pqbeat] or the Podcast App [https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/apple-podcasts/id525463029] on your iPhone).  You will find more podcasts here [https://www.pqbnews.com/podcasts/]. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Host Peter McCully welcomes Paul Drummond, the recently retired general manager of Tigh-Na-Mara Resort in Parksville. Listeners are treated to a captivating journey of Drummond’s extensive career in the hospitality industry. Using humorous anecdotes and reflections, he shares insights from his 16 years at Tigh-Na-Mara and his adventures across the globe. Drummond entered the industry at the age of 16, securing a job at the Regina Inn after a brief stint at McDonald's. The conversation weaves through time, traversing his experiences in various locations, including Chicago, Minneapolis and Singapore. Listeners hear tales of encounters with notable figures like Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey during Drummond’s time in Chicago. Drummond has worked in exotic locales such as Cairo and marvels at the ancient pyramids while sharing heartwarming memories of camel rides with his daughter in the Sahara. A rapid-fire round of questions reveals intriguing facets of Paul's life, from serving Lady Diana to his favourite regional dishes from Malaysia. Drummond and his team have been holding the annual Tigh-Na-Mara Toy Drive for the SOS for 15 years. He reflects on the community's generosity. "The community has donated over 20,000 toys, $42,000 in gift cards, $107,000 in cash and cheques,” he said. “So absolutely incredible, and I tell you, it's got to put a lot of smiles on kids’ faces that wouldn't have smiles ordinarily." Listeners gain insights into his future plans, centered around family, travel and the pursuit of a well-deserved retirement. His advice to aspiring hospitality professionals serves as a fitting finale, underscoring the endless opportunities and rewards the industry can offer. The PQB News podcast PQBeat can be found here [https://omny.fm/shows/pqbeat-1/playlists/podcast].  You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub21ueWNvbnRlbnQuY29tL2QvcGxheWxpc3QvMTk2YTZiYjQtY2UyMS00MjI5LThlZTUtYWRjNjAwYmFlNGFiLzRkZDc4OTkwLTM0MDUtNDM1Zi1iOGM4LWFlNTMwMTY4ZjRiOC80MjU4MTJjYy05ZWM3LTQ3NTUtYTk1YS1hZTUzMDE2OGY0ZDkvcG9kY2FzdC5yc3M], iTunes [https://www.apple.com/ca/itunes/], iHeart [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1300-pqbeat-94168424/], Amazon [https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/7ead5063-a264-40b5-bda7-9b8cfbbbdff5/pqbeat] or the Podcast App [https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/apple-podcasts/id525463029] on your iPhone).  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Host Peter McCully welcomes Patricia Plumley, a seasoned music professional and the musical director for 'A Cappella Plus' and 'Village Voices of Qualicum Beach.'" From her beginnings in Guelph, Ontario, where her love for music emerged, to her diverse musical pursuits, Plumley shares her experiences as a music teacher and director spanning over 30 years. McCully asked what impact on music can have on emotional and mental well-being. "I think it's the big healer”, says Plumley. “I think that people turned to videos and music recordings, virtual recordings. I think that was a huge part of keeping people happy, keeping people connected, keeping people in a humorous state, keeping people appreciative of all the things that were going on to help human beings stay together." Plumley has taught students as young as two and as old as 92, emphasizing the universal appeal and impact of music on individuals of all ages. The discussion reflects on her musical journey across the globe, including tours with choirs to destinations like New Zealand, Europe, China, and more recently, Spain. The Musical Director shares how the shift to online teaching brought unexpected positives, discussing virtual choir experiences. The podcast offers two musical selections, Silent Night, performed by A Cappella Plus and Christmas Lullaby, performed by the Village Voices. The PQB News podcast PQBeat can be found here [https://omny.fm/shows/pqbeat-1/playlists/podcast].  You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub21ueWNvbnRlbnQuY29tL2QvcGxheWxpc3QvMTk2YTZiYjQtY2UyMS00MjI5LThlZTUtYWRjNjAwYmFlNGFiLzRkZDc4OTkwLTM0MDUtNDM1Zi1iOGM4LWFlNTMwMTY4ZjRiOC80MjU4MTJjYy05ZWM3LTQ3NTUtYTk1YS1hZTUzMDE2OGY0ZDkvcG9kY2FzdC5yc3M], iTunes [https://www.apple.com/ca/itunes/], iHeart [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1300-pqbeat-94168424/], Amazon [https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/7ead5063-a264-40b5-bda7-9b8cfbbbdff5/pqbeat] or the Podcast App [https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/apple-podcasts/id525463029] on your iPhone).    See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Host Peter McCully welcomes Staff Sgt. Travis De Coene of the Oceanside RCMP, who provides insights into his experiences and challenges as a law enforcement officer. De Coene reflects on his return to the Island, childhood influences shaping his career choice, and a defining moment during a severe storm that tested the resilience of his team in Hope. McCully asked about the impact of technology on policing. "Big thing with us is AI hasn't really affected us too much right now,” said De Coene. “ALPR allows us to scan 360; it looks at all the plates, and it can run hundreds and hundreds of plates an hour." De Coene says recruitment is a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies, including the RCMP. “It's really challenging,” he said. “And of course, it's not just the RCMP, it's every other municipal force in the country that's all vying for that same small group of people." De Coene also offers valuable advice on recognizing and avoiding potential threats and scams. The PQB News podcast PQBeat can be found here [https://omny.fm/shows/pqbeat-1/playlists/podcast].  You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub21ueWNvbnRlbnQuY29tL2QvcGxheWxpc3QvMTk2YTZiYjQtY2UyMS00MjI5LThlZTUtYWRjNjAwYmFlNGFiLzRkZDc4OTkwLTM0MDUtNDM1Zi1iOGM4LWFlNTMwMTY4ZjRiOC80MjU4MTJjYy05ZWM3LTQ3NTUtYTk1YS1hZTUzMDE2OGY0ZDkvcG9kY2FzdC5yc3M], iTunes [https://www.apple.com/ca/itunes/], iHeart [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1300-pqbeat-94168424/], Amazon [https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/7ead5063-a264-40b5-bda7-9b8cfbbbdff5/pqbeat] or the Podcast App [https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/apple-podcasts/id525463029] on your iPhone).  You will find more podcasts here [https://www.pqbnews.com/podcasts/]. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.