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This PULSE Community Podcast episode celebrates two remarkable Vancouver Island stories. Featuring renowned 95-year-old artist and naturalist Robert Bateman discussing his current exhibition "Mid-Century Bateman" at the Cowichan Valley Museum. Plus, Ken Schley of Qualicum Beach shares the incredible story of owning the authentic SS Minnow from Gilligan's Island and transforming it into a fundraising powerhouse for Vancouver Island charities.

This Episode Features:

(10:37) Legendary Artist Robert Bateman, the celebrated 95-year-old artist and naturalist, shares stories from his current exhibition "Mid-Century Bateman" running until August 31st at the Cowichan Valley Museum. Bateman reflects on his early painting trips to Vancouver Island, his conservation philosophy, and offers his unique perspective on balancing screen time with outdoor experiences. His lifelong connection to Vancouver Island's natural beauty continues to inspire his work and environmental advocacy.

(29:28) The Real SS Minnow's Vancouver Island Mission, Ken Schley of Qualicum Beach reveals how he acquired the authentic SS Minnow from the classic TV show Gilligan's Island and is keeping this piece of television history alive on Vancouver Island. Schley explains how he transformed the boat into a dedicated fundraising vessel that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities. He shares stories about Dawn Wells (Mary Ann) visiting the community and the incredible public response to this beloved piece of pop culture.

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe grown men crying - on their knees. You'd have to see it to believe it." - Ken Schley describing Dawn Wells' visit

"I started to call what we're doing to the planet was turning it into an instant pudding world in which Joe Blow & Associates made your world for you." - Robert Bateman 

The episode also includes community announcements about the ParticipACTION Community Challenge with free fitness classes throughout June, plus upcoming summer events across the Parksville-Qualicum region.

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Episode Sponsors: Tablet Pharmacy, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Ian Lindsay & Associates and Thrifty Foods Parksville.

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This PULSE podcast episode celebrates Vancouver Island community spirit through the legendary Father's Day Car Show Qualicum Beach. Featuring Jim Moroz of Seaside Cruisers discussing the 32nd annual charity event, plus Great Big Sea co-founder Sean McCann sharing his inspiring 10,000-kilometer Canadian unity tour across the nation.

This Episode Features:

(10:39) Jim Moroz, Seaside Cruisers organizer, shares the incredible impact of the Father's Day Car Show Qualicum Beach, which attracts over 500 classic cars and 20,000 visitors annually. Moroz explains how this beloved Vancouver Island community event has raised more than $38,000 for local charities, showcasing the generous spirit that makes Qualicum Beach special for families and car enthusiasts alike.

(23:26) Sean McCann, Great Big Sea co-founder, discusses his ambitious "Great Big Canadian Road Trip" - a solo acoustic tour covering 10,000 kilometers across Canada. McCann shares his passion for uniting Canadians through music during challenging times, emphasizing how communities from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland can come together despite differences to celebrate shared Canadian values. He appears on Vancouver Island including Parksville.

(01:30) Dave Graham’s fitness journey provides comic relief as the co-host attempts his three-week summer fitness transformation with questionable smoothie ingredients and sporadic workout routines, proving that Vancouver Island lifestyle includes both outdoor adventures and chocolate genetics.

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"What I can do is get in my car, drive 10,000 kilometers and sing 10,000 songs with my fellow Canadians. And the point of it all would be to remember that that's who we are, and that we're not the same, we're different, but we are united under one flag." - Sean McCann

"The joy on the people's faces as they walk through our show and view the cars and you can see them reminding each other that their parents or their relatives had one of those in the old days." - Jim Moroz, Seaside Cruizers

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Episode Sponsors: Oceanside CWeed, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Ian Lindsay & Associates & Fireside Books & The Bookwyrm.

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(24:50) Broadcaster, author, and musician Grant Lawrence discusses his unique touring show combining storytelling and music. Lawrence brings listeners into his world of West Coast adventures, from hilarious tales of “Purple Speedos and Ticks” to his current CBC Radio series about escaped Orcas. His spring tour with Joel Plaskett, Lindi Ortega, and Ashleigh Ball promises intimate performances in small island venues including Errington.

(10:21) Four-time Paralympian champion Michelle Stilwell shares her advocacy work during National Accessibility Week, discussing her ongoing mission to create inclusive communities. With 10 million Canadians identifying as having disabilities, Stilwell emphasizes that accessibility benefits everyone - from wheelchair users to the senior that has a walker, the mom who uses a stroller to the delivery guy who uses a dolly.

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Sponsors on this episode include; Oceanside CWeed, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Ian Lindsay & Associates and Meadowood Store Garden Store.

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(23:33) Recently re-elected MP Gord Johns of Courtenay-Alberni, discusses his election victory despite nationwide NDP losses. He outlines his priorities including affordable housing, infrastructure, and addressing the toxic drug crisis, while emphasizing his commitment to representing all constituents.

(14:25) Teresa Cooper, Executive Director of the Parksville Downtown Business Association, shares exciting summer plans including a Food Festival on June 8th featuring 18 food trucks, regular Friday mini food truck festivals, and music events including "Down on the Corner" featuring local musicians.

Community announcements highlight upcoming events including the ParticipACTION Community Challenge in June, the Gather and Griddle pancake breakfast at Meadowood Community Center, the Coombs Community Picnic and the next gathering of the “Elbows Up Movement”.

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You can also voice message The PULSE and be a part of the podcast!

You'll find all episodes of the The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart and YouTube podcasts, as well as PULSECommunity.ca.

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Sponsors on this episode include; Oceanside CWeed, Windsor Plywood French Creek, Ian Lindsay & Associates & The Meadwood Store Garden Centre.

Check out Skookum Kid's Stories, on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube Podcasts, as well at SkookumKids.com.

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"You're not there to pass time. You're there to remain connected and engaged, and our residents do that. They are still passionate about politics, about still learning, and we give them every opportunity to do that." - Chris Denford, president of Berwick Retirement Communities, discussing Berwick Qualicum Beach's recognition as a top senior living community in North America for the third time. 

 Bestselling author Sam Wiebe reveals how his Dave Wakeland novels capture Vancouver's soul, from its gentrification challenges to hidden gems, offering insights into the city beyond tourist postcards. “The Last Exile”, is the latest in the series.

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You can also voice message The PULSE and be a part of the podcast!

You'll find all episodes of the The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart and YouTube podcasts, as well as PULSECommunity.ca.

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Sponsors on this episode include; Meadowood Store Garden Centre, Tablet Pharmacy, SOSD69, Fireside Books & Ian Lindsay & Associates.

Check out Skookum Kid's Stories, on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube Podcasts, as well at SkookumKids.com.

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(22:58) Pharmacist Aki Shaw breaks down exactly how semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) work in your body, what side effects to expect, and the crucial lifestyle changes needed for weight loss success - essential information if you're considering this treatment option.

 (08:41) Illana Hester, Executive Director of TOSH (The Old Schoolhouse Art Center) in Qualicum Beach, discusses the center's recent accomplishments including a digital archives project funded by New Horizons for Seniors. She highlights art exhibitions featuring local artists Heather Thomas, Steve Casey, and Brooke Emily, as well as summer camps and fall education programs.

You can also voice message The PULSE and be a part of the podcast!

You'll find all episodes of the The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart and YouTube podcasts, as well as PULSECommunity.ca.

Click here to learn how to Support the show

Sponsors on this episode include; Meadowood Store Garden Center, Thrifty Foods Parksville, Windsor Plywood French Creek & Ian Lindsay & Associates.

Check out Skookum Kid's Stories, on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube Podcasts, as well at SkookumKids.com.

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(20:23) "I never say never, I had once had a fellow stop by and he asked me if I'd paint his jet. So I always say, the answer is never, no. It is just the logistics of how do we get this done?" says Jeremy Humpherville, artist and owner of Coastal Carvings Fine Art Gallery in Coombs, who shares insights about a docuseries being filmed about the gallery and artists for APTN. Jeremy explains how the show will authentically showcase the creative process and the artists' passion for their craft, without scripted drama. 

(08:44) Colt Long, Resource Development Manager at SOS (Society of Organized Services), discusses the organization's extensive community programs that serve people of all ages and backgrounds. Colt highlights their current fundraising campaign to replace their 11-year-old community bus, with a $200,000 goal to fund a new vehicle that will continue transporting seniors to appointments, families to outings, and supporting their 25 different community programs.

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You can also voice message The PULSE and be a part of the podcast!

You'll find all episodes of the The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart and YouTube podcasts, as well as PULSECommunity.ca.

Click here to learn how to Support the show

Sponsors on this episode include;  Tablet Pharmacy, Meadowood Store Garden Center, Fireside Books, Windsor Plywood French Creek & Ian Lindsay & Associates.

Check out Skookum Kid's Stories, on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube Podcasts, as well at SkookumKids.com.

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Signup for our weekly newsletter of new podcasts and contests!

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(09:45) This episode features "You Said It," a segment where Peter McCully & Dave Graham collect public opinions on their most important federal election issues, revealing diverse concerns about healthcare, housing affordability, the economy, and Canada-US relations. Many participants expressed frustration with current political options and leadership.

(23:14) The highlight of the episode is an in-depth interview with Iona Whishaw, author of the popular Lane Winslow mystery series set in post-war British Columbia. Whishaw shares insights about her international upbringing, her mother's secret spy work that shaped her unique understanding of strong women characters.

Whishaw will be offering readings and signings in Parksville and Qualicum Beach Tuesday, May 6th.

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You'll find all episodes of the The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart and YouTube podcasts, as well as PULSECommunity.ca.

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Sponsors on this episode include; SOSD69, Windsor Plywood French Creek & Ian Lindsay & Associates.

Check out Skookum Kid's Stories, on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube Podcasts, as well at SkookumKids.com.

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Six of seven federal candidates in the Courtenay-Alberni riding took turns answering audience questions during an all candidates meeting Tuesday, April 15 in Port Alberni. 

In attendance were: Chris Markevich of the Green Party, Brian Cameron of the Liberal Party, Gord Johns of the NDP, Thomas Gamble of the Peoples Party of Canada, Teresa Knight of the Animal Protection Party and Jesse Musial - Christian Heritage Party. Conservative Candidate Kris McNichol declined to attend.

(05:05) introduction of Candidates, (15:50) Q&A Session, (01:28) Closing Statements.

 The Forum was sponsored by the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Alberni Valley Transition Town Society. We would also like to thank Alberni Valley Media, for allowing the Pulse Community the use of the audio portion of the debate. You can view the YouTube video of the debate here.

 Some of the session was edited for time and content, you can use the chapters feature to move through the debate podcast.

 https://thepulsecommunity.ca/

"Send us a text about this episode!"

You can also voice message The PULSE and be a part of the podcast!

You'll find all episodes of the The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart and YouTube podcasts, as well as PULSECommunity.ca.

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Sponsors on this episode include; Windsor Plywood French Creek & Ian Lindsay & Associates.

Check out Skookum Kid's Stories, on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube Podcasts, as well at SkookumKids.com.

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(13:38) Singer Songwriter Amarii of Qualicum Beach tells the story of turning Foster Care struggles into musical success. Listen to Martin Rupprecht's inspiring journey from making music in his basement to signing with a record label. His authentic advice for small-town artists will motivate anyone with big dreams.

 (31:18) Mike Hann takes you behind the scenes at Vancouver Island's biggest music event SunFest, and talks about how Nickelback ended up booked to perform at Lake Cowichan. Discover the fascinating logistics of managing 15,000 festival-goers. Hann talks about the $18 million economic impact these events have on local communities.

(04:35) The podcast also includes listener announcements about upcoming events such as KSS Premier Performance, featuring talented students in fine arts programs at Kwalicum Secondary, and updates on local community gardens and fundraising initiatives.

 https://thepulsecommunity.ca/

You can also voice message The PULSE and be a part of the podcast!

You'll find all episodes of the The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart and YouTube podcasts, as well as PULSECommunity.ca.

Click here to learn how to Support the show

Sponsors on this episode include; SDSD69, Windsor Plywood French Creek & Ian Lindsay & Associates.

Check out Skookum Kid's Stories, on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube Podcasts, as well at SkookumKids.com.

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(O Canada - Wendler, Ullenboom & Michael Cleyn / Play Me Again, Rupprecht)

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