#pqbeat

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. 

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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. 

You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart, Amazon or the Podcast App on your iPhone). 

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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. 

You can also search ‘PQBeat’ on Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes, iHeart, Amazon or the Podcast App on your iPhone). 

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Host Peter McCully welcomes world-class athlete Michelle Stilwell, recently inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame.

The Parksville resident humbly acknowledged the company of her fellow inductees, including Chantal Benoit and former Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Their collective accomplishments have made significant strides towards inclusion and employment for individuals with disabilities, a testament to the power of advocacy.

Stilwell’s Paralympic career has taken her to various corners of the world, from Beijing to Switzerland, France, Australia, New Zealand and many more. While her busy schedule often limited sightseeing, her time training in Australia holds a special place in her heart.

Reflecting on her time on the podium, Stillwell shared that those moments are not just about national pride but also personal achievement, adding “I wish I could bottle those feelings and sell them.”

The former Parksville-Qualicum MLA (2013 to 2020), Stillwell empowers and motivates others with her storytelling. She connects with her audience by sharing her experiences, showing them hope and inspiring them to make positive changes in their lives. She has been in demand as a public speaker, once addressing a group at NASA.

The podcast delves into Stilwell’s role as a supporter of the Pacific Autism Family Network, a cause close to her heart as her son Kai is on the autism spectrum. Kai's remarkable journey from a young child with challenges to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of support and understanding. He now runs a gourmet popcorn business and actively participates in the community.

Stilwell's story is a poignant narrative of resilience, determination and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

"Obstacles are just something that's meant to get around. Something that stands in your way and you have to find a way to get around it,” said Stilwell.

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). 

You will find more podcasts here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.