88.5 The Beach

22/08/2025

The immense talent of these photographers and of course, their subjects, is outstanding! ~Megan

21/08/2025

First day of school is in 12 days!
What's on your Summer-Do list before the start of the school year? ~Megan

20/08/2025

Very cool! ~Megan

Before the sculptures are taken down, the Society was honoured to welcome members of the Canadian Council of the Blind Parksville Chapter along with residents from Berwick Parksville for a unique tactile tour, part of our ongoing commitment to improving accessibility.

By experiencing the artistry through touch, our guests connected with the creations in a whole new way. Thank you to everyone who joined us! Art is truly for everyone!

📸credit: Angie Ooms

19/08/2025

Everybody has an awkward wedding story, let's hear yours! ~Megan

18/08/2025

Congrats to Cheryl for this week's winning joke:
"How does a lumberjack keep track of the trees he’s cut down? He keeps a log."

Happy Monday Yumday!
Win $25 to Parksville's Ricky's All Day Grill - post a joke below to qualify!
Winner will be announced at 9:30 this morning (Monday, August 18th). ~Megan
REMINDER:
We NEVER inform winners via the comments section.
We NEVER ask for credit card information.
We NEVER ask you to click on a link.

15/08/2025

The past few weeks have been emotionally taxing. So, let's check in on each other, how are you?
Remember, it's ALWAYS okay to ask for help.
Below are some mental health resources ❤️ ~Megan

• Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1‑888‑494‑3888 (24/7) vicrisis.ca/
• Immediate Mental Health Support: 310-6789 bc.cmha.ca/mental-health/find-help/
• Kuu-us Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717 Indigenous Crisis and Support Line kuu-uscrisisline.com/
• BC Seniors’ Distress Line: 604-872-1234
• National Su***de Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8 or 1-800-784-2433 988.ca/
• Resource Connections United Way BC: 2-1-1 bc.211.ca/getting-started-with-211/
• Virtual Mental Health Supports: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/virtual-mental-health-supports

14/08/2025

FYI

Due to the amount of wildfire smoke covering the Parksville Qualicum Beach area, we will be open with reduced amenities today, August 14th.

For the health and safety of our volunteers, we will not be opening our Gift Shop, Camellia Tea Room, Plant Sales Nursery, or offering shuttle cart or public tour services. The cost of admission will be dropped for anyone still wanting to visit us today between 11:00am-4:30pm.

Thank you to all the firefighters working tirelessly to save our forests and communities.

14/08/2025

Special Air Quality Statement in effect:
• Air Quality Statement https://weather.gc.ca/en/location/index.html?coords=49.323,-124.327
• Air Quality Index https://aqmap.ca/aqmap/ #8/48.455/-122.834/B31/L38/L40/L41
• Smoke Forecast https://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/current/
• Prepare for Wildfire Smoke Events https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/how-prepare-wildfire-smoke.html
• BCCDC Wildfire Smoke Facts http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke

Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.
Parts of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast are being impacted or are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24-48 hours.
During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour.
Monitor the situation for any wildfires near your area at emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/ Follow all emergency announcements relevant to your location

Be safe ~Megan

12/08/2025

Today is ! What was the first record you bought, and do you still have your collection? ~Megan

12/08/2025

Oh no, please be safe out there ❤️~Megan

The highway is now closed between Port Alberni and Bamfield. The China Creek Regional Park & Campground is in the proximity of the fire and is being evacuated.

We are responding to the Mount Underwood (V71498) wildfire, located southeast of Port Alberni, off the road between Port Alberni and Bamfield (Bamfield Main Road). The road is now closed between Port Alberni and Bamfield. The China Creek Regional Park and Marina/Campground has been evacuated.

This fire is currently estimated to be 630 hectares in size and remains Out of Control. That means the fire is spreading or anticipated to spread beyond the current perimeter and we are applying aggressive suppression and control methods. The fire is displaying Rank 4 and Rank 5 fire behaviour. Learn more about wildfire ranks: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/wildfire-response/about-wildfire/wildfire-rank

An initial attack crew, airtanker and four helicopters are responding and a heavy equipment task force, three unit crews and a Type 1 Incident Management Team have been mobilized. Night vision equipped helicopters are actioning the fire overnight and structural protection specialists are on scene.

The fire is approximately 12 kilometres south of Port Alberni and 19 kilometres southwest of the Wesley Ridge (V71145) wildfire. Smoke from the fire is visible from surrounding communities and may appear to be coming from the Wesley Ridge wildfire when viewed from the north and east.

For more Information, visit the web page for this incident: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/incidents?fireYear=2025&incidentNumber=V71498&source=map

11/08/2025

The Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department shared another piece of positive news: "Good news, BCWS is classing this fire as being 'HELD' YAY!!"

Great news all around! Thank you to all the hardworking crews and emergency personnel ❤️~Megan

11/08/2025

Congrats to this week's winner, Janice!
"Why are bakers great at baseball? They make the best batters." 😂

Happy Monday Yumday!
Win $25 to Parksville's Ricky's All Day Grill - post a joke below to qualify!
Winner will be announced at 9:30 this morning (Monday, August 11th). ~Megan

REMINDER:
We NEVER inform winners via the comments section.
We NEVER ask for credit card information.
We NEVER ask you to click on a link.